Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has pledged unwavering loyalty to the PDP, dismissing any plans to defect despite mounting political pressure.
He says his allegiance remains with his people, whose support for the party remains resolute and unchanged.
Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North in the National Assembly, has reiterated his unwavering allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), firmly stating that he has no intention of joining the wave of defections sweeping through the party.
During a courtesy visit by members of the Cross River State Journalists Forum (CROSSJOF) at his residence in Abuja, Senator Jarigbe emphasized that his political decisions are rooted in the desires of his constituents, who remain steadfast in their support for the PDP.
“My political choices reflect the wishes of my people,” he said. “If I tell them I want to defect, they will make it clear that they’re staying with the PDP. It’s not about personal ambition or enmity; it’s about standing by the people who sent me here.”
While he declined to criticize those who have switched parties, Jarigbe acknowledged that such decisions may be in line with the expectations of their own supporters. Still, he stressed that his loyalty to the PDP remains firm.
The senator also called on his constituents to support the state government, currently led by the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging unity and cooperation for the delivery of development to grassroots communities.
“Governance should transcend party lines. We must focus on progress and avoid distractions if we want real development to reach our people,” he advised.
Highlighting a key regional demand, Jarigbe appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the long-standing call for the creation of Ogoja State, noting that it is the only former province in Nigeria yet to gain statehood.
“Ogoja deserves recognition. If there’s a single state that truly needs to be created, it’s ours. I trust that Mr. President will take this request seriously. Doing so during a democratic era would be a legacy-making decision,” he stated.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, Jarigbe reaffirmed his dedication to delivering impactful projects and promoting human development across Cross River North. He noted that every ward in the district has benefited from at least one major project, ranging from roadworks and electricity to water supply, school infrastructure, and laboratory equipment.
One such intervention is the long-neglected Boki-Abakpa road, which has now been restored. “That road was nearly impassable for decades. Today, it’s fully motorable, thanks to the effort of my office,” he said.
Senator Jarigbe also listed several initiatives in education and economic empowerment. He said scholarships and bursaries have been provided to students, some of whom are now studying abroad through schemes like the NDDC and PTDF.
“Another round of bursary disbursement is coming next month. We’re also helping local entrepreneurs with direct financial support to grow their small businesses,” he added.
On legislative achievements, the senator mentioned his efforts in sponsoring various bills, including one for establishing a Federal Medical Centre. That bill has successfully passed second reading and a public hearing and is awaiting a third reading before being forwarded for presidential assent.
However, he expressed disappointment that earlier bills, such as those seeking the creation of a Federal University of Technology and a Polytechnic in Ogoja did not advance, which he attributed to the party’s minority status.
Despite political obstacles, Senator Jarigbe reaffirmed his commitment to serving his constituents diligently.
“No matter the challenges, I will continue to fight for the interest of Cross River North. My mission remains clear: to empower our people and improve their quality of life,” he concluded.
