JARIGBE'S HISTORIC TOWN HALL MEETING ...Constituents Endorse Senator Ahead of 2027
Judex OKORO
May 29 since 1999 has remained symbolic in the annals of our politics. It is celebrated as a day power was handed over to a democratically elected government in Nigeria at all levels after many years of military interregnum. It was the beginning of another political journey into the Fourth Republic
after the First, Second and Third Republics were all cut short by military juntas, who have penchant for political power.
That May 29, 1999 is very historic to the political class. They were liberated from the grip of military rule. From then onwards, May 29 has been seen as a period of reflection, accountability and giving back to the people who fought for restoration of civil rule through the ballot.
And so, elected and appointed office holders see the month of May every year as an opportunity to meet-the-people and interact with the constituents. Reflect on their campaign promises, know to know their needs, and re-connect. To some, it is the season of appraisals and to say thank you.
And Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, representing Cross River North senatorial district, has never been caught napping on the month of May. Since he was voted into the NASS in 2015 under PDP, he has taken up the gauntlet and lives up to the ideals and expectations of May 29.
He has held a series of town hall meetings, given back to his constituents. Jarigbe has heard their cries, Jarigbe hears their clamouring and delivered on mandate. No wonder, the sobriquet "Mr Projects." He has facilitated and still facilitating various projects to all nooks and crannies of the entire old Ogoja province, where he reigns supreme. Above all, he has delivered his people from the hands of political buccaneers by standing up to the status quo. This, the nickname, "leader of unconquered generation."
This year, indeed, was no exception. As characteristics of Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, he held town hall meetings across Cross River North Senatorial District with constituents in Obanliku, Obudu, Bekwarra, Yala and. Ogoja local government areas held between May 24 and 25, 2025.
The recent town hall meetings have raised some burning issues and thrown up some matters arising. But importantly, it was a golden opportunity for the "Unconquered" Senator Jarigbe to show case his achievements, throw jabs, restate his commitment to the party and reconnect with his people, engage in political manoeuvrings, threw jabs where necessary, display political sagacity and reassure his followers, party faithful that in 2027, he will be in the ballot.
_I'll Be On Ballot in 2027_
Debunking defection rumours making the rounds, Sen Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, said he will be on the ballot in 2027.
Reacting to the defection rumour at the town hall meeting with constituents held in Obudu, Bekwarra, Obanliku local government areas, Sen Jarigbe stated that if Tinubu and Bassey Otu had not stayed in the opposition, they would not have been President and Governor today. According to him, "I cannot abandon the people and the platform that gave him their support and mandate to represent them.
"It is true that there are some issues at the national level. But those issues are going to be resolved. The election is not tomorrow. The election is not next week. It is not next year. I don't want us to distract ourselves with all of that. It's time for governance. We have no excuse not to deliver. We want you to hold us accountable.
"Party politics is different, but I have to share a few things with you. There are issues surrounding who will be National Secretary and who will not be. But those issues will be resolved. There is nothing like PDP will not be able to file candidates. By the grace of God, I will be on the ballot. Nothing is going to stop you for voting for your son and the person you want. I want to correct the impression that I'm moving from this party. I'm not moving.
"If President Tinubu, did not stay in opposition, he would not be president today. If our governor, Prince Otu, did not stay in opposition, he wouldn't have been governor today. So nobody can come and coerce me and say that I must move to any party.
"In Obanliku, we chose one of your sons and sent him to the national assembly as a member of the House of Representatives. There are insinuations that he says that there will be no tickets for us on the platform of PDP. Please, there will be tickets for us. If he wants to leave the party, it's for personal reasons. I am not part of it. It wasn't the name of any party that voted for us. The people that voted for us are seated here. We will go by your decision and not the decision of anybody in Abuja or Calabar".
The lawmaker explained that it was very necessary for him to interface with the people whose mandate he holds to give account of his stewardship for the period of two years in the 10th assembly, and also to have the opportunity to be accessed by his people, urging the people to draw his attention to areas of concern and where he needs to focus on in the next two years.
Sen Jarigbe listed projects he facilitated in each of the ten wards of the three Local Government Areas he visited including the electrification of Gakem to Abuochiche, Bekwarra Local Government Area and construction of Amukwong Bridge, Alege, Alege/Ubang ward in Obudu Local Government Area which are ongoing.
_PDP chairman Speaks_
Speaking earlier during the town hall meetings held at various locations in Obanliku, Obudu and Bekwarra Local Government Areas, the Chairman of the People's Democratic Party PDP, Cross River State chapter, Mr Vena Ikem, Esq, noted that "Globally, it is a common practice for representatives to hold town hall meetings periodically to enable them meet with their constituents as to get feedback to enable them improve their representation.
"Very recently, I have witnessed representatives were booed by their constituents on account of their failed representation. Please do not hesitate to tell your senator where he has not done well to enable him serve you better. Where he has done well, please don't forget to commend him as that will definitely encourage him to do more".
Constituents Speak
In Obudu, the people called on Sen Jarigbe Agom to lobby for federal appointments for the youths, noting that the youths are roaming the streets with qualified certificates with no one in sight to assist them get jobs. They argue that Obudu youths deserve to also occupy positions in Nigerian National Petroleum Cooperation Limited (NNPCL), Federal Inland Revenue Services and others.
In Bekwarra, the people commended Sen Jarigbe Agom, to have facilitated federal government scholarship for three of their sons who are currently abroad on studies.
They requested the senator to give their youths Jobs and to see to the completion of the electrification project, which worries every Bekwarra person. The people of Bekwarra assured Sen Jarigbe Agom, of their unflinching support even beyond 2027 and referred to the coercion by the All Progressive Congress to silence other parties as a failed project.
_Hundreds of Hausa Community defects to PDP in Ogoja_
Meanwhile, hundreds of women and youths from the Hausa/Muslim Community Ogoja have defected from APC to PDP. The defection took place at Ogoja when the community paid a solidarity visit to Sen. Jarigbe.
Speaking at the Events, The Women leader commended the Senator for all he has been doing for the Muslim Community in Cross North, saying that they have never seen a leader that is so passionate about the well-being of his people especially the non-indigenes.
Also speaking, the Youth President, Hausa Community Ogoja, Sani Mohammed Isa, said: "We will continue to pray and Support you to do more for us. God Almighty will guide your path and give you the grace to do more for your people. Thank you Senator Jarigbe Agom. We are eternally grateful Sir."
Ogoja stakeholders endorse Jarigbe ahead of 2027
In what political analysts described as climax of the interactive meeting with constituents of five local government areas that make up Cross River north senatorial district, Ogoja local government PDP stakeholders, members and supporters unanimously endorsed Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe for the Senate seat ahead of 2027.
The former member of the House of Representatives for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Peter Igbodor, moved a motion for the endorsement of Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe ahead of the 2027 Cross River North Senatorial District election and was seconded by Hon. Chief Rita Agbo Ayim.
The motion was unanimously adopted by stakeholders of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogoja local government area. The endorsement was the climax of Sen Jarigbe's senatorial meeting with stakeholders and constituents in the five local government areas that make the north senatorial district of Cross River state.
_Constituent hails Jarigbe town hall meeting_
Reacting, a chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Afuo Joseph Ogbaji, who hails from Ugboro ward in Bekwarra local government area, said Sen Jarigbe's town hall meetings have restored legislative accountability and community engagement.
He said: "Senator Jarigbe utilised the town halls to outline his accomplishments over the past two years, emphasizing his commitment to governance and transparency. He encouraged constituents to hold him accountable and to voice concerns about areas needing attention in the coming years. He stated, “It’s time for governance. We have no excuse not to deliver. We want you to hold us accountable.
“Amid speculations about his potential defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Jarigbe reaffirmed his allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He acknowledged internal challenges within the PDP but expressed confidence in the party's resilience, asserting that the current crisis rocking the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would not be the end of the party.
“The meetings also highlighted significant political shifts. Notably, the absence of House of Representatives member Peter Akpanke, amid rumors of his impending defection to the APC, was addressed. In a strategic move, Senator Jarigbe introduced Professor Zana Akpagu, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, who expressed his intention to join the PDP. This introduction was perceived as a potential replacement for Akpanke in future elections
According to him, Jarigbe has emphasised the importance of unity within the PDP and the need to focus on governance over party politics even as he assured constituents that the PDP would continue to field strong candidates and that the party's internal issues would be resolved in due course.
He further said: “Jarigbe's town hall meetings were instrumental in reinforcing his commitment to his constituents, addressing political uncertainties, and strategizing for the PDP's future in Cross River North. By directly engaging with the community, he demonstrated a proactive approach to leadership and governance.”
