Senator representing Cross River North in the Senate, Jarigbe A. Jarigbe, has carpeted the political pressure group, Northern Cross River Coalition, for claiming to be working towards the re-electing bid of Cross River State governor, Bassey Edet Otu, when the group appears to be a smoke screen for the hidden political ambitions of a few persons from the North of the state.
Jarigbe who spoke at a gathering of political allies in Ogoja, Cross River State, maintained that, those behind the coalition, “came up with the name of the group that we conceptualised a few years ago. Today some people are claiming they are the ones who conceptualised this coalition; it is a lie. I was at the forefront of those who conceptualised it. People like Musa Adede who brought out money that helped us arrange meetings and organise ourselves, have not claimed ownership.”
“Today they have brought back the name without the participation of those who conceptualised it. They want to take ownership and we say no; it is already a failed project.”
Explaining further, Jarigbe informed that the coalition was conceptualised as a rallying point and vehicle for energy and garnering support for the gubernatorial election of former state governor, Liyel Imoke. “It was Northern Coalition for Liyel Imoke. Liyel is not looking for governor, we have moved on. Anybody who wants to run election, should say Northern Coalition for this or that and let us identify the person. Don’t hide under the cover of I want to support Gov. Otu, call your name so that we can test your popularity.”
On wide rumours that House of Reps member, Peter Akpanke, representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency, is poised to defect to the APC, Jarigbe addressed that by stating, “Akpanke has too many friends in the APC and this is very misleading – he is not defecting.”
