How Senator Jarigbe Sparked a Political and Developmental Revolution in Northern Cross River
Before he ever contested an election, few could have imagined that Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe would one day rise to become the defining political force behind the transformation of Northern Cross River. But to those who paid close attention from the start, it was clear: Jarigbe was no ordinary leader.
Jarigbe’s entry into public life was nothing short of remarkable. While still an undergraduate and under the age of 25, he achieved what most could only dream of. When Governor U.F. Ahmed assumed office, Jarigbe was one of only two young men invited by the Secretary to the Cross River State Government to attend three landmark events: the official reception, the formal handover ceremony, and the prestigious dinner at Peregrino Hall. The invitations were limited to just 50 individuals, carefully handpicked by the governor’s protocol team. The inclusion of a young undergraduate like Jarigbe—at such a high-level political gathering—was a testament to the promise, character, and presence he already possessed.
In July 1999, during Governor Donald Duke’s administration, a seemingly minor incident revealed Jarigbe’s deepening influence. A contractor from Ogoja had failed to deliver on a project, leading to pressure from political aides to detain him. Upon hearing that the contractor was an "Ogoja boy," Governor Duke reached out to Jarigbe for counsel. Instead of recommending punishment, Jarigbe advised a fair review. The outcome? The contract was renewed—and the contractor received an official apology. That same evening, the respected elder statesman Pa Jarigbe visited my home in appreciation.
Pa Jarigbe, a University of Nigeria alumnus and former Cabinet Secretary in the Governor’s Office, was part of Ogoja’s earliest generation of university graduates—when such an achievement was rare. Known for his intellect and dignity, he represented an era of principled leadership. It is clear today that those values were passed down to his son.
Despite his integrity, Jarigbe’s journey was not always smooth. Twice he was denied appointments into the state cabinet. The reason? He was deemed “too independent and truthful.” Yet, those same qualities would later become the backbone of his political appeal.
During the presidency of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Jarigbe emerged as a behind-the-scenes strategist in Cross River. He played critical roles in supporting several political leaders, including Senator Musa Adede, H.E. Walter Eneji, Governor Liyel Imoke, and most significantly, Governor Ben Ayade. Throughout, he remained loyal to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and demonstrated a rare ability to put party, principle, and people above personal gain.
As calls for political inclusion for the Northern Senatorial District grew louder, Jarigbe became a central figure. He brokered unity across divided camps, shifted narratives, and laid the groundwork for equity in representation. At a particularly critical moment when Cross River politics reached a boiling point, Jarigbe’s phone rang from Aso Villa. He was entrusted with the task of resolving sensitive internal party conflicts—an assignment only given to trusted and capable hands.
During the turbulent PDP primaries, when a candidate backed by “crude influence” sought to hijack the process, many faltered. But Jarigbe stood his ground. He faced pressure, pushback, and personal attacks—but never compromised. While others from that political cycle faded into irrelevance, Jarigbe’s relevance only soared. Eventually, after a hard-fought legal and electoral battle, he secured his rightful seat in the National Assembly—ushering in a new era of representation for Cross River North.
Since taking the oath of office, Senator Jarigbe has changed the game. In just two years, he has achieved what many could not accomplish in a decade: roads and bridges linking rural villages to towns, over 200 schools built or comprehensively renovated, a mini-stadium to promote youth development and sports, health centres and boreholes in underserved communities, rural electrification projects in remote villages, and distribution of empowerment tools—vehicles, tricycles (Keke), and motorcycles—to support local youth and artisans.
But infrastructure is only part of the story. Jarigbe has shown unparalleled commitment to human capital development: foreign and local scholarships for brilliant but indigent students, payment of school fees for struggling families, intervention during ASUU strike disruptions helping final-year students graduate on time, payment of medical bills for the sick and needy, and provision of tractors and agricultural tools to boost local farming communities. As one beneficiary put it, “I can’t shout, but the projects are everywhere.”
Jarigbe’s leadership extends beyond the National Assembly floor. He played a pivotal role in the repatriation of the late Senate President’s remains after three years abroad, ensuring a dignified burial in his ancestral home of Sankwala. Even now, Jarigbe is speaking boldly for the creation of Ogoja State, a long-standing dream for people of the northern senatorial district—a subject many former Senators were hesitant to address publicly.
What sets Jarigbe apart is not just what he does—but how he does it. He doesn’t shout. He doesn’t insult rivals. He doesn’t seek media applause. He works—and lets results speak for him. He is humble, yet firm. Gentle, yet bold. His leadership is grounded in service, results, and sacrifice.
As the 2027 elections approach, one question keeps echoing across villages, wards, and town halls in Northern Cross River: “Shouldn’t Senator Jarigbe return to the Senate to do even more?” The answer, for many, is a resounding YES. He has done in two years what others struggled to do in eight. He has brought dignity, development, and direction to the region. And now, his people want more—not noise, not slogans, but continued progress.
In a region long deprived of true political dividends, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has become a symbol of hope, humility, and hard work. The revolution he has ignited is not just political—but generational.
Papa DC
Director-General, 2023 Jarigbe Campaign
Proud Member, People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
Advocate for Senator Jarigbe’s 2027 Senate Return
