By Ike Uchechukwu, Calabar
Senator representing Cross River North, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has dismissed claims of rivalry with Governor Bassey Otu, insisting that he is not in any form of competition with the governor.
In a strongly worded statement made available to Vanguard, the lawmaker accused unnamed individuals of using fake media accounts to create discord between him and the governor.
He warned those behind the alleged campaign to stop dragging his name into what he described as a smear effort against the state chief executive.
“There is no basis to compare a governor to a senator. My constitutional duty is to make laws, not to rival the governor. Those who wish to fight him should not hide behind my name or drag me into their smear campaign,” he said.
Jarigbe said the same political actors who opposed his emergence as APC senatorial candidate for Cross River North were now circulating provocative statements to cause division.
He, however, declared support for Governor Otu, describing him as a leader delivering meaningful projects across the state.
The senator highlighted ongoing road projects in the state, including the Okuku–Okpoma road and the Bekwarra–Obudu road, while also questioning aspects of project execution on the latter and calling for closer scrutiny.
Jarigbe also commended the governor for the construction of a Governor’s Lodge in Ogoja, describing it as a significant development for the northern senatorial district.
He urged APC candidates to focus on grassroots mobilisation ahead of future elections rather than engaging in what he called political gossip.
The senator stressed that blackmail would not influence electoral outcomes, urging focus on governance and service delivery.