By Chris Udochukwu
Stakeholders in Cross River Northern senatorial district have read the riot act to politicians in the state. The opinion leaders mostly of PDP extraction pegged performance as a pre-requisite for gaining their votes in the 2023 general elections.
Speaking at a 1 million man Match organized by supporters of Senator Jarigbe Agom which was well attended by people from the 54 wards of the senatorial district, the stakeholders declared their appreciation to the senator representing Cross River Northern senatorial district for having brought home the dividends of democracy which they say had been spread across all the wards of the senatorial district and gave assurance of their support in the forthcoming elections.
An elder statesman ,Chief Godwin Ikani Wogar refered to the numerous projects executed by the senator and asked the crowd to ensure they are guided by that while voting in the next election. He declared Senator Jarigbe the leader of the PDP in Northern Cross River state.
” Today we are putting an imprimatur on Ogoja. Before you enter Ogoja you must come through Senator Jarigbe”.
A former local government chairman of Ogoja local government and a PDP stalwart Chief Igbaji Monkom said the walk was an appreciation for all the good work Senator Agom had done in Northern Cross River and expressed his belief that if given another term he would do more. He alluded to the presence of many past and present leaders to register their support for the match.
According to him, the foundation of PDP in Ogoja is here in Solidarity with out Senator”
Another former Chairperson and aspirant for state house of Assembly, Hon Rita Ayim referred to him as the Governor of Northern Cross River state and lent her voice to thank the Senator for taking representation in Northern Cross River state to a new dimension.
Another party stalwart and aspirant under the PDP, Barr. Godwin Offionor said the massive turn out for the walk is a clear demonstration of Victory.
” The Governor General of Cross River North has performed exceedingly well, that is why you are seeing this expression of solidarity, friendship and Love”.
Barr. Idi Yakubu an elder statesman pronounced his blessings on the match and the Senator. He expressed confidence that Senator Jarigbe would return to the Senate come 2023.
Chief Martina Odom chairperson of PDP elders forum said the performance of Senator Jarigbe Agom is unrivaled in the Senatorial district and referred to his performance in the house of representatives and short stay so far in the Senate. She attributed the support enjoyed by the senator to the fact that he had done so much in the constituency, adding that not even money politics can cause a setback for him in the 2023 elections judging from his good standing with the people.
The match began with a thanksgiving mass at the St. Benedict cathedral Ogoja attended by Senator Jarigbe Agom, his wife ,members of his campaign team led by the DG, Barr DC Enamhe and supporters from the constituency.
Senator Agom who spoke after the Mass said he decided to flag off his campaign in the house of God because he is a firm believer that all power comes from God and without God success is impossible. He urged the people of Northern senatorial district to have the fear of God in mind as they start electioneering and to vote based on facts and performance, not sentiments.
At the St Thomas Teachers Training college where different support groups thronged out in their numbers to show solidarity, Mrs Fifi Jarigbe, wife of the Senator while speaking to our correspondent said she is overwhelmed y the show of love and support for her husband, which she described as ” Organic”. She assured the people that her husband was driven by a deep love for his people and empathy for everyone and would not rest on his oars to better the lot of the people of Northern senatorial district when he returns to the Senate come 2023.
The walked passed through the cathedral through ishibori past the general hospital to the mission road in Igoli and back to the TTC where Senator Jarigbe again thanked the people for their show of love and appreciation and assured them that he would continue to change the status quo in terms of development in his constituency of given their mandate.
The match was organized with over 6 million naira raised through voluntary contributions from individuals and was coordinated by Mr MIke Udam, Tom Alims, Roland Ugeh, Joseph Akuku and others.
