Senator Jarigbe Sets Record Straight, Rejects ‘Governor of the North’ Tag, Reaffirms Loyalty to Cross River Governor
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, representing Cross River North Senatorial District, has clarified his political stance following growing narratives labelling him as the “Governor of the North.” In a strongly worded statement released on his official Facebook page yesterday, the senator dismissed the title as “misleading” and reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the constitutionally elected Governor of Cross River State.
The statement, titled ‘PUTTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: I REMAIN A SENATOR AND REJECT ANY DISRESPECT OF OUR LEADER, THE ONE AND ONLY GOVERNOR OF CROSS RIVER STATE,’ comes amid speculation over Jarigbe’s rising political influence in the northern part of the state.
‘There Can Only Be One Governor in a State’
Senator Jarigbe, who has gained widespread support across the Cross River North Senatorial District, made it clear that no level of political excitement should distort the constitutional roles of elected officials.
“There can only be one Governor in a State, and Cross River State is no exception. His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State, is the constitutionally elected and recognised leader of our dear state. I remain absolutely loyal to him, his office, and the agenda of his administration,” the senator declared.
He further appealed to his supporters to avoid comments or actions that could be construed as disrespectful to the Governor, urging them instead to “give their unwavering support and loyalty to the number one citizen of the State.”
Rising Political Profile Sparks Narratives
Akahi News gathered that Senator Jarigbe’s growing political influence, especially following several constituency projects and his strong grassroots network, may have contributed to the narratives branding him as the “Governor of the North.”
Political observers noted that his frequent engagements in the northern senatorial district, including infrastructural initiatives and youth empowerment schemes, have positioned him as a leading political voice in the region. However, the senator insists such influence should not be mistaken for rivalry with the executive arm of government.
“No level of excitement or political celebration should cause anyone to misrepresent my person or the role I play. I was raised and taught to respect constituted authority, and I hold strongly to that principle,” he stressed.
Call for Unity, Not Division
In his statement, Jarigbe also condemned what he described as attempts by some individuals to “blow certain misdemeanours out of proportion for political gain,” cautioning against actions capable of sowing discord within the state.
“Leadership is not about rivalry or division, but about service and unity. At this time, we must close ranks and move forward as one people, with one purpose,” he said.
He urged political stakeholders and citizens alike to remain focused on building “a greater Cross River State devoid of pettiness and overblown self-esteem.”
Political Analysts Weigh In
Analysts believe the senator’s clarification is a strategic move aimed at maintaining political balance ahead of the 2027 electoral season.
According to political commentators, rejecting the “Governor of the North” title allows Jarigbe to:
- Reaffirm Loyalty: Avoid friction with Governor Bassey Otu and the state executive.
- Pre-empt Misinterpretations: Counter attempts by opponents to label him as overreaching.
- Preserve Political Capital: Maintain broad-based support without alienating other power blocs.
A political science lecturer at the University of Calabar told Akahi News that the statement “helps the senator project himself as a loyal party man while keeping his future political options open.”
With the 2027 elections gradually shaping political discourse in Cross River State, Senator Jarigbe’s remarks are seen as both a call for unity and a reminder of constitutional order.
His emphasis on collaboration rather than competition suggests a strategy to strengthen internal party cohesion while keeping his reputation intact across the state’s three senatorial zones.
As Cross River State moves towards its next political cycle, Senator Jarigbe’s rejection of the “Governor of the North” tag sends a clear message about respect for institutions and loyalty to the state’s executive leadership.
Whether this approach will help consolidate political stability or simply redefine alliances ahead of 2027 remains to be seen.
For now, the senator’s position appears to prioritise peace, unity, and development over rivalry and discord.
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