The senator representing Cross River North in the National Assembly, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has urged all those behind the campaign against the APC chairman in the state, Alphonsus Eba, to sheathe their swords, listen to the party leader and governor of the state, Senator Bassey Otu and pursue those things that will unite instead of causing tension in the party.
To him, it is only when the party is intact and pursuing a popular agenda that it can continue to win elections. This is even as Jarigbe has denied any role in the crisis, but he maintains that he respects the immediate past governor of the state, Prof Ben Ayade.
Jarigbe’s position, contained in a statement he personally signed, came at a time that many local government chapter chairmen are asking the state chairman, Alphonsus Eba, to vacate office, even though the ward chairmen are standing for Eba.
In the statement, he said “in the past few days, I have followed, with deep concern, the rising tensions within our great party in the state. As a dedicated stakeholder who recently joined the APC with a vision for a united and progressive Cross River, I feel compelled to address these developments directly.
“It has been brought to my attention that my name has been associated with the current rift, with specific references made to the 2027 elections and perceived differences with the State Chairman. I wish to state in the clearest terms possible that these narratives are not only premature but also a misrepresentation of the facts.
“The current challenges are not about the Cross River North Senatorial District, nor are they a personal conflict between myself and any individual. What we are witnessing is a broader, statewide issue that requires a collective and sober approach from all party leaders.”
It was only last week that Jarigbe formally defected to the APC on the floor of the senate, even though he had initially met the president, Bola Tinubu, in Aso Rock, where he announced his intention to join the APC.
Saying that he joined the party with a heart of hope and commitment to contribute to the party’s growth and success, Jarigbe also said “my primary desire is for peace, stability, and unity to prevail. As a Senator of the Federal Republic, my focus remains on delivering effective representation to the good people of Cross River North and supporting the developmental agenda of our governor.
“Let me be unequivocal: I am a loyal party man. I hold His Excellency, Governor Ben Ayade, in high esteem as a former Governor . I am fully committed to supporting whatever the incumbent Governor wants and directs. His vision and leadership are crucial for our collective success, and I pledge to work harmoniously under his guidance to strengthen the APC across all wards and local governments.
“I, therefore, appeal to all party faithful, to sheathe their swords. Let us cease actions and utterances that fuel division and instead, channel our energies into building a formidable front. Let us all defer to the Leader of the Party , H. E. Prince Bassey Otu, instead of running riot.
“Let us remember that our strength lies in our unity. Our common goal should be to position the APC for victory in future elections, and this can only be achieved when we stand together as one.”
