….Calls for Responsible Public Discourse
Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG), an alliance of over 180 organizations promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, has commended Senator Agom Jarigbe Jarigbe for his legislative and constituency achievements in the 10th National Assembly. Following an independent assessment of his performance, the groups passed a vote of confidence in the senator while urging citizens and political actors to exercise caution against unverified allegations, smearing, and campaigns of calumny.
In a statement signed by Comrade Ogakwu Dominic, President of the group, CSGGG addressed recent reports circulating online that claimed contracts for motorcycles, computing equipment, emergency rice supplies, and solar-powered streetlights in parts of Cross River North were awarded to a company allegedly linked to the senator and his family. While critics raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and adherence to public procurement rules, the civil society organizations noted that Senator Jarigbe has consistently prioritized the welfare of his constituents. The senator has described the allegations as politically motivated and stressed that the proper execution and delivery of projects should be the primary measure of accountability.
The independent assessment by CSGGG concluded that Senator Jarigbe’s interventions have produced measurable and widespread benefits across Ogoja, Yala, Bekwarra, Obudu, and Obanliku Local Government Areas. In education, he has facilitated the construction, renovation, and furnishing of classrooms, staff rooms, and modern toilets in numerous primary and secondary schools, significantly improving learning environments for thousands of students.
Infrastructure projects under his watch have enhanced connectivity and trade, with the completion and rehabilitation of major roads linking rural and semi-urban communities and ongoing works on strategic routes such as Ibil–Abakpa, Busangfong, and Yahe–Ukelle. Bridges at Ukpagada in Ogoja and Amukwong in Obudu have further eased movement, while over 180 solar-powered and motorized boreholes have been installed to provide safe drinking water to communities across the district.
Electrification and streetlight initiatives have transformed public spaces and improved security, with 500KVA transformers energizing multiple wards and solar-powered streetlights illuminating towns, markets, and major roads throughout Cross River North.
Healthcare interventions, including medical outreach programmes, distribution of equipment to ten primary healthcare centres, and the enrollment of 1,000 constituents in the JariCare Health Insurance Scheme, have strengthened access to essential health services for vulnerable populations. Farmers have benefited from tractors, fertilizers, and hand tillers, while youths have gained skills through aquaculture and data management training, enhancing both productivity and employability.
Senator Jarigbe’s human capital and empowerment programmes have reached thousands of constituents. Beneficiaries include students awarded fully funded scholarships, vocational trainees, school lecturers and students equipped with laptops, youths and traditional rulers provided with motorcycles and tricycles, businesswomen supported with cash grants, and households assisted with food and financial aid to cushion economic hardship. Recreational facilities, including an ultra-modern mini stadium in Ogoja and community recreation centres, have fostered youth engagement and community cohesion.
Comrade Ogakwu Dominic urged the public and political actors to base discourse on verified facts, emphasizing that discussions should focus on accountability and development outcomes rather than unsubstantiated claims or political smears. “Our independent assessment confirms tangible results in the senator’s legislative and constituency work. While oversight is essential to democratic governance, it must be balanced, fair, and evidence-based,” he stated.
CSGGG concluded that Senator Jarigbe’s record demonstrates legislative diligence and a sustained commitment to equitable development, with significant improvements in education, infrastructure, water supply, electrification, healthcare, agriculture, human capital development, and community empowerment across Cross River North.
