JARILEAGUE Coalition
By Frank Ulom
The supporters of the Senator representing Cross River North, Sen. Jarigbe Agom, have endorsed President Bola Tinubu, Governor Bassey Otu, and himself, for re-election in the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was carried out in Calabar on Thursday by the supporters under the umbrella of JARILEAGUE, a coalition of political stakeholders in Cross River North Senatorial District, in collaboration with key other stakeholders from the senatorial district.
According to the JARILEAGUE Coalition, the rationale for endorsement includes demonstrated commitment to campaign promises, inclusivity by ensuring that grassroots communities benefit, infrastructure development, education and economic empowerment.
The stakeholders hailed Sen. Agom’s legislative impact, Governor Otu’s state-level reforms, and President Tinubu’s national policies, emphasising the need for continuity, citing “visible strides across all levels of government” as justification for the endorsement.
Speaking at the meeting, the coordinator of the group, Professor Egaga Patrick of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), said the decision was reached after a careful assessment of the performance, commitment and impact of the three leaders on the lives of citizens.
“Our decision is based on a careful and objective assessment of their performance, commitment and impact on the people. We stand behind leaders who deliver. Together, we move forward to sustain progress in Cross River and Nigeria.
“Despite prevailing economic and social challenges in the past three and a half years, significant progress has been made in infrastructure, education and economic development, particularly in road connectivity and interventions that support local economies and livelihoods,” he added.
Also speaking, a community leader, Ntufam Effenji Odey, commended what he described as the trio’s commitment to youth development.
“The increased access to education through scholarships, bursaries and other initiatives represents a critical investment in future leadership,” he said.
Adding his voice, Professor Jacob Owan described the endorsement as a reflection of public confidence in purposeful leadership.
“This endorsement reflects the confidence of the people in purposeful leadership. The policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration, alongside the efforts of Governor Otu and Senator Jarigbe, have laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth,” urging stakeholders to remain united in support of continuity.
In his remarks, Professor Anthony Bullem said the trio had demonstrated capacity and consistency in governance, particularly in education and human capital development.
“They have shown capacity and consistency in governance. Continued investment in critical sectors will yield long-term benefits for the state and the nation,” he said.
On his part, Barrister Gabriel Oko emphasised the need for political stability to consolidate ongoing development.
“This endorsement is timely and necessary to safeguard the gains already recorded. Continuity in leadership will strengthen policy implementation and governance outcomes,” he noted.
The group, comprising over 20 academics from various tertiary institutions within and outside the state, as well as retired technocrats, also
The group highlighted the key achievements of the Tinubu administration to include ongoing infrastructure projects, tax reforms and subsidy removal policies aimed at repositioning the national economy,” the coalition stated, commending Governor Otu for deliberate innovations in the education sector.
“We commend the establishment of a University of Education and Entrepreneurship, the payment of WAEC fees, regular salaries and pensions, and the revival of key assets such as Tinapa and Obudu Ranch Resort.”
On Senator Jarigbe, the coalition pointed to what it described as extensive constituency impact.
“At least one project has been executed or is ongoing in each of the 54 political wards, covering infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and human capital development,” saying “we will not allow any group to derail the progress already recorded.”
Having assessed their performance and commitment to the well-being of the people, the coalition unanimously expressed confidence in and support for their re-election.
“Having sufficiently measured their sincerity of purpose and dedication to the people, we unanimously affirm our confidence in and support for their reelection.
“Our position is firm, unanimous and irreversible. The mandates of these leaders remain sacrosanct,” the group declared
The event concluded with a call for solidarity among supporters and a reaffirmation of the coalition’s active role in campaigning for the endorsed candidates.
Other stakeholders who spoke called for solidarity among supporters, sustained unity and a reaffirmation of the coalition’s active role in campaigning for the endorsed candidates to consolidate development in Cross River North, the state and the country.
The group, numbering over one hundred, comprises over twenty Professors, senior academics, senior members of non-teaching staff from various tertiary institutions within and outside the state, retired bureaucrats and some appointees of the state government.
