President Tinubu’ll make history if he creates Ogoja, other states – Sen Jarigbe Agom

Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, who represents the Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly has said, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will make history if he creates Ogoja State and other deserving states for the Nigeria Federation.

This is just as he assured his constituents that he remains committed to the promises he made during his election campaign two years ago. He said he would continue focusing on his duties in the Senate and work hard to bring development to his district.

Senator Jarigbe, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Gas, made this statement on Friday, 30 May 2025, while hosting members of the Cross River State Journalists Forum (CROSSJOF) at his home in Abuja. The visit was part of CROSSJOF’s effort to hold public officials accountable.

The senator said he had focused mainly on improving infrastructure and investing in the growth and skills of people in his district. He listed several projects he has carried out in areas like Ogoja, Obudu, Yala, Bekwarra, and Obanliku—mentioning that nearly every ward in the district has benefited from one project or another, such as roads, water supply, electricity, schools, and health equipment.

“In the past two years, we’ve kept most of our promises,” he said. “If you look around the district, you’ll see we’ve worked on many things—roads, health centres, schools, and more. Even the road to my own village, which was in terrible shape, is now being fixed.”

Senator Jarigbe also highlighted efforts in the healthcare sector. He said many health centres now have basic equipment like thermometers and blood pressure machines, which they lacked before.

On youth and education, he said his office has helped fund small businesses, paid school fees, and offered scholarships. “We’ve sent some of our students abroad through NDDC and PTDF scholarships. Others have received bursaries, and we plan to pay more bursaries next month.”

When asked about the laws he is working on in the Senate, Senator Jarigbe said he has several bills in progress, including the one to establish a Federal Medical Centre. He mentioned that some of his proposals were rejected because he is in the opposition, but he remains hopeful.

Commenting on some opposition senators switching to the ruling APC, Jarigbe said he is staying in the PDP. “I’m with my people, and they are PDP. If I switch parties, my people won’t follow. So I’m not moved by others defecting—I will remain where my people are.”

He also touched on the proposal to create new states, saying it would be historic if President Tinubu manages to do it during a democratic government. He strongly supported the idea of creating Ogoja State, saying it is long overdue.

In closing, Senator Jarigbe urged his constituents to stay hopeful and support the state government so that development can continue without distractions. “I’m committed to delivering the benefits of democracy to our people,” he said.