Akahi News reports that a political storm is brewing in Cross River North Senatorial District following a public dissociation notice issued by the office of Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe against one Mr. Michael Emaluji. Akahi News gathered that the Senator’s office has declared emphatically that Emaluji is not a staff, agent, representative, or affiliate in any capacity.

But in a swift rejoinder, Emaluji, a former Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and known public affairs commentator, has fired back. He insists he never claimed to represent the Senator and suggests the entire fiasco may be linked to a petition he recently wrote against another lawmaker. Is this a case of mistaken identity, or is there more beneath the surface?

Senator’s Office: ‘Hold Emaluji Solely Responsible’

The press release, signed by the Senator’s Special Assistant on Media, John Agom Agom, paints a picture of urgent concern. Akahi News learnt that the office became aware of certain actions, inactions, and statements made by Emaluji both online and in physical interactions that created impressions incorrectly linked to Senator Jarigbe.

“The general public is hereby advised to hold Mr. Michael Emaluji solely responsible for his own actions and inactions, and to seek redress directly from him for any claims, promises, or obligations arising from his conduct,” the statement read. The Senator’s office further cautioned individuals and institutions to desist from associating the lawmaker with any matter involving Emaluji. But what exactly did Emaluji do? The release remains curiously vague on specifics.

Akahi News had earlier reported that political disclaimers of this nature are rare unless something serious has occurred. The public is left wondering: is this a warning shot, or the beginning of a deeper rift?

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Emaluji Responds: ‘I Am Not a Criminal’

In his rejoinder, Snr Comr. Emaluji Michael Sunday, popularly known as OCHOCHI 001, struck a defensive but respectful tone. Akahi News gathered that he flatly denied ever intentionally presenting himself as an official staff or agent of Senator Jarigbe. “I am neither a criminal nor a fraudulent person, and I have never used the name or office of the Distinguished Senator to defraud, scam, or mislead anyone,” he wrote.

Emaluji described himself as a passionate supporter, political stakeholder, activist, and concerned citizen. He insists his public engagements over the years have been strictly personal. But here is the twist: he believes the Senator’s press release may have been triggered by a recent petition he submitted — not against Jarigbe, but against Senator Bassay Asukwo.

That petition allegedly raised an alarm over the diversion of over 200 Mini Buses and 150 Tricycles meant for the entire people of Cross River State, but reportedly distributed exclusively within Cross River South Senatorial District. Akahi News learnt that Emaluji wrote the petition purely in his private capacity, exercising his constitutional right as a citizen. Could it be that speaking truth to power has cost him his political godfather?

The Silent Question: Why Distance Now?

If Emaluji has always operated as a private citizen and never claimed official representation, why did Senator Jarigbe’s office feel compelled to issue such a strong disclaimer? That is the question echoing across Cross River North. One possibility is that someone has been using Emaluji’s closeness to the Senator to make promises or collect money. Another possibility is that the Senator simply wants to avoid being dragged into Emaluji’s confrontational style of activism.

Emaluji, a former NANS Senate President, has a reputation for speaking against injustice. “Over the years, I have consistently stood for equity, fairness, justice, transparency, accountability, and good governance for all people,” he stated. That kind of fire can burn bridges. Akahi News believes the real story here is not about fraud but about the cost of activism in Nigerian politics.

When a citizen petitions against a fellow Senator, the political establishment often closes ranks. And the first casualty? The citizen’s access to power. Emaluji may have lost a political benefactor. But he may have gained something more valuable: the trust of ordinary people who see him as fearless.

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What Both Sides Agree On (And What They Don’t)

Here is where the two positions meet: both Senator Jarigbe and Emaluji agree that Emaluji is not an official representative of the Senator’s office. That much is settled. Akahi News gathered that Emaluji has even expressed continued appreciation for Senator Jarigbe’s past support and encouragement.

But they part ways on motivation. The Senator’s office implies that Emaluji’s actions and inactions have become a liability. Emaluji counters that his only “offence” was petitioning against alleged unfair distribution of public assets. One side sees a loose cannon. The other sees a whistleblower. The Nigerian public will have to decide.

It is also worth noting that Emaluji has urged calm, insisting there is no conflict or hostility intended. “Let us continue to pursue peace, mutual respect, equity, justice, and sustainable development,” he appealed. That sounds like a man extending an olive branch. Whether Senator Jarigbe accepts it remains to be seen.

What Nigerians Should Watch For

This episode raises broader questions. How do politicians treat loyal supporters who become inconvenient? And how do activists balance their passion for justice with the need to maintain political relationships? Akahi News believes these are not just Cross River questions — they are Nigerian questions.

For constituents of Cross River North, the takeaway is simple: if you have any dealings with Mr. Michael Emaluji, do so with the understanding that he acts alone. But also watch the space. If the petition about diverted mini buses and tricycles has merit, then a much bigger scandal may be lurking beneath this public spat.

Akahi News will continue to follow this story and bring you updates as both parties — or their supporters — speak further. For now, the people of Cross River North are left with a philosophical reflection: when a Senator disowns an activist, is the activist too loud, or is the truth too hot to handle?