The lawmaker representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has called for civility, decorum and idea-driven campaigns as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
Senator Jarigbe, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the appeal in Calabar amid rising tensions within the district. Addressing constituents in a text titled "A Piece of My Thought," he urged his supporters and other political actors to shun insults, personal attacks and divisive rhetoric.
"My dear good people of Cross River North, as we embark on this re-election journey, I thank you deeply for your unwavering support," he said. "I must speak plainly to you about the path we must take. I am aware that emotions run high. Our opponents, including my brother, former Governor, Senator Ben Ayade, are formidable. I charge you not to use uncouth words against any aspirant. No insult, no personal attack, no abusive language. We are better than that. Our campaign will be defined by ideas, not insults."
The senator also called for respect for the office of the governor, past and present, regardless of differing opinions on performance. "I demand that you respect the seat of governor, whether serving or former, regardless of who occupies it," he declared. "Whether you believe the former governor performed or underperformed, that office commands our collective dignity. No man is infallible. We all have strengths and weaknesses. Let us critique records, not abuse persons."
He appealed to fellow aspirants to remain in touch with grassroots sentiment, warning against political denial, and stressed the importance of party unity after the primaries. "We remain one united APC family. As we further our divergent interests within this primary, we must never forget that after the votes are counted, we will still need one another. No ambition is worth destroying the conviviality we have shared amongst one another," he said.
