Jarigbe: Stop involving me in a smear campaign against Gov. Otu

By Ike Uchechukwu, Calabar

Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North, has denied allegations of a rivalry with Governor Bassey Otu, stating that he is not in competition with the governor in any capacity.

In a forceful statement released to Vanguard, the lawmaker accused unnamed individuals of creating discord between him and the governor through fake media accounts.

He warned those behind the alleged campaign to cease involving his name in 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 noted that the same political actors who opposed his emergence as the APC senatorial candidate for Cross River North are now circulating provocative statements to sow division.

He, however, expressed support for Governor Otu, calling him a leader who delivers meaningful projects across the state.

The senator highlighted ongoing road projects, including the Okuku–Okpoma road and the Bekwarra–Obudu road, while questioning certain aspects of the latter’s execution and calling for closer scrutiny.

Jarigbe also praised the governor for constructing a Governor’s Lodge in Ogoja, describing it as a significant development for the northern senatorial district.

He urged APC candidates to concentrate on grassroots mobilisation ahead of future elections rather than engaging in what he called political gossip.

The senator emphasized that blackmail would not influence electoral outcomes, urging a focus on governance and service delivery.

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