Campaign with Honour Not Insults, Jarigbe Tells Supporters

Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe has called on his supporters to embrace civility, unity and issue-based engagement as he formally signalled the start of his re-election campaign in Cross River North.

In a reflective message to constituents titled “A Piece of My Thoughts,” which was made available to LEADERSHIP,the lawmaker adopted a statesmanlike tone, urging political actors to reject insults, personal attacks and divisive rhetoric despite what he acknowledged would be a fiercely contested race.

“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, before setting the tone for the campaign. “I must speak plainly to you about the path we must take.”

With the political atmosphere already heating up, particularly with the presence of strong contenders such as former governor, Ben Ayade, Jarigbe cautioned his supporters against engaging in mudslinging.

“I am aware that emotions run high. Our opponents, including my brother, former Governor, Senator Ben Ayade, are formidable,” he said.

“I charge you: do not 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 stressed the need to respect political institutions, particularly the office of the governor, irrespective of personal or political differences.

“Furthermore, I demand that you respect the Seat of Governor, whether serving or former, regardless of who occupies it,” he stated.

“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.”

Beyond campaign strategy, Jarigbe’s message delved into broader reflections on leadership, character and shared values, warning against allowing political ambition to overshadow humanity.

“Let us pursue a healthy contest, one that reflects our proper upbringing as sons and daughters of Cross River,” he said.

“Remember: life’s struggles, its cravings, its ambitions, they all amount to vanity at the end. What endures is character, community, and how we treated one another along the way.”

He also challenged fellow aspirants to remain attentive to the mood of the electorate and avoid political denial.

“I only implore all of us, aspirants, to listen to the voices of our people and not live in denial of the obvious,” he added.

In what appeared to be a direct appeal to prevent internal rifts within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the senator underscored the importance of unity before and after the party’s primaries.

“Finally, we remain one united APC family. Even as we further our divergent interests within this primary, we must never forget that after the votes are counted, we will still need each other. No ambition is worth destroying the conviviality we have shared amongst one another,” he said.

He concluded with a message that encapsulated his campaign philosophy: “Campaign with passion, but campaign with honour.”