Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe: Classic Hero of Democracy
By Judex OKORO and Ekanem ASUQUO
To the electorate in Cross River State, Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe have become a household name. His foray into politics and dogged fighting spirit has earned him the name, leader of “unconquered generation.” Born in Ibil village in Ogoja local government area of Cross River State, he attended the School of Basic Studies in PortHarcourt, Rivers State, where he passed the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE). He obtained a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Calabar, Cross River State and later earned a bachelor's degree in law from Baze University in November 2022.
Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has held some notable political positions including Cross River State Coordinator of SURE-P. The SURE-P (Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Program) was a Nigerian government initiative launched by the Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2012. It aimed to reinvest the savings generated from the removal of fuel subsidies into infrastructure projects and social programs. He was also Coordinator of President Goodluck Jonathan/Sambo Presidential Campaign Organisation.
He was elected to the Green Chamber in 2015 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and was re-elected in 2019 for his second term as a member of the House of Representatives in the 8th and 9th National Assembly representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency. In 2020 he contested and won the Cross River North Senatorial bye election. He re-contested the 2023 senatorial election and was reelected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In just two years, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has emerged as a beacon of principled leadership and grassroots commitment, redefining representation for the Cross River North Senatorial District. His tenure has been marked by a relentless drive to uplift a region historically challenged by neglect, from the monumental task of restoring public electricity to securing a decisive electoral victory against a sitting governor. Jarigbe has solidified his position not merely as a senator, but as a symbol of resistance, renewal, and tangible progress for his people, culminating in the conferment with the title of the Leader of The Unconquered Generation by the electorate in Cross River North.
_Pivotal electoral triumph: The David vs. Goliath battle_
Senator Jarigbe’s most significant political moment arrived in 2020 he contested and won the Cross River North Senatorial bye-election against all odds. However, it was given to another candidate and in 2021, the Supreme Court had judgement in his favour and upheld him as the Senator-elect for Cross River North. The litmus came in 2023 when he confronted the then-Governor Ben Ayade in a high-stakes senatorial contest. Despite Ayade's considerable advantages—incumbency, control of state machinery, and immense political influence—the electorate of Cross River North overwhelmingly rallied behind Jarigbe.
This "David vs. Goliath" battle saw Jarigbe emerge victorious, becoming a national emblem of democratic resilience. His win was widely interpreted as a people-powered referendum, signaling that genuine performance, humility, and unwavering consistency resonate more deeply than power and political showmanship. Neutral observers and even opposition figures lauded the outcome as "a triumph of integrity over intimidation, and a vote for glaring performance, over naked propaganda."
__The People's Senator: A visible grassroots presence._
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Across the 52 wards of Cross River North, Senator Jarigbe is universally regarded as one of their own. He is accessible, dependable, and empathetic. Breaking the mold of politicians who disappear after elections, Jarigbe maintains a strong grassroots presence, regularly engaging with communities through town hall meetings and personally overseeing project commissions. Public sentiment is unequivocally positive, reflecting a deep appreciation for his efforts. In Abuochiche, market women affectionately call him “Oshita Etubom” (the people's defender). Elders in Wanihem offer prayers for his enduring strength, while youth groups in Okpoma and Obudu laud him as a “political role model” – humble yet courageous, strategic yet selfless. Even his critics acknowledge his undeniable developmental impact.
_Restoring light: Ending years of darkness._
One of Senator Jarigbe’s most widely celebrated accomplishments is the restoration of public electricity to communities in Cross River North that had endured over six years of complete blackout. For areas such as Obudu, Bekwarra, Ogoja, and Yala, the return of power has dramatically revitalised local economies, spurred the growth of small businesses, and brought immense relief to thousands of households. Through active legislative engagement and strategic collaboration with federal power agencies and the Cross River State Electricity Distribution Company, Jarigbe successfully facilitated the rehabilitation of critical transmission lines, the installation of new transformers, and the reconnection of the district to the national grid. Today, public institutions and homes enjoy a steady power supply, leading many to hail him as “The Light Bringer.”
_Unprecedented infrastructure development_
Driven by a commitment to reverse the narrative of neglect, Senator Jarigbe has spearheaded and facilitated a wide array of capital projects across all Local Government Areas within his senatorial district.
* Road networks: Crucial for enhancing agribusiness, cross-border trade, and overall connectivity, key roads such as Gakem–Bekwarra, Bansan–Obudu, Utugwang–Obudu, Ndok–Okuku Access Road, and the Wanihem–Wanikade Link Road (Yala) have been either resurfaced or newly constructed, ensuring year-round accessibility and improving rural mobility.
* Water Projects: To address the fundamental need for potable water, solar-powered boreholes and mini water schemes have been implemented in numerous rural communities, including Ojerim (Ogoja), Ikwette (Obudu), Wanakom (Yala), and Abuochiche (Bekwarra). These initiatives have significantly reduced waterborne diseases and improved public health, particularly for women and children.
* Street lighting: Hundreds of solar-powered streetlights have been installed in towns like Okuku, Obudu, Gabu, Alifokpa, and Ugboro, markedly enhancing night-time visibility and community security.
_Investing in human capital: Scholarships, Empowerment, and Jobs_
Senator Jarigbe firmly believes in investing in people as much as in infrastructure. His comprehensive scholarship scheme has provided critical financial support to over 1,000 students across Nigerian universities and polytechnics, covering full or partial tuition, books, and stipends. His extensive empowerment programs have reached women, youth, and farmers, providing essential tools for economic independence. They include Keke NAPEP (tricycles); motorcycles and sewing machines, farming equipment and fertilizers, start-up grants and training kits. Communities such as Idum-Mbube, Gakem, Igoli-Ogoja, and Ukelle have all benefited from these programs, fostering a new generation of self-reliant individuals.
_Vocational training and skills acquisition_
To further enhance self-sufficiency and job creation, Jarigbe has implemented robust skills acquisition programs through strategic partnerships with federal and private agencies. Training centers in Bekwarra, Obudu, and Ogoja have hosted hundreds of youth for diverse courses, including Solar panel installation, ICT and computer literacy, Tailoring and design, Agri-processing and packaging, beauty and cosmetics production. Besides, graduates receive essential startup kits and ongoing mentoring, directly contributing to job creation and reducing ependency.
_Healthcare and community support_
Prioritizing health equity, Jarigbe has facilitated the rehabilitation of primary healthcare centers and organised free medical outreaches, with a particular focus on hard-to-reach areas. His interventions have included subsidised surgeries and comprehensive maternal health services, eye care and dental treatment, distribution of essential drugs and preventive health screenings. Thousands of individuals, particularly in Obanliku, Yala, and Ogoja LGAs, have benefited from these vital health initiatives.
_Senator like no other_
In a state and a political landscape where many promise but a few truly deliver, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has allowed his work to speak for itself—loudly, clearly, and transcending political divides. His historic electoral victory over a sitting governor, the restoration of electricity, his district-wide infrastructure drive, and his consistent presence among the people have cemented his status as a true hero of democracy. To the grateful people of Cross River North, he is more than just a senator; he is a dedicated servant, a tenacious fighter, a bridge-builder, and a transformative leader, consistently rewriting the history of his district, one impactful project, one thoughtful policy, and one empowered person at a time.
In the light of the above, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has emerged as THE BEAGLE NEWS HERO OF DEMOCRACY 2025. Congratulations!
