Senator Jarigbe Agom’s recent birthday offers more than a moment of celebration. It presents an opportunity to reflect on how Cross River State is steadily regaining relevance within Nigeria’s national political space. At a time when many states struggle to project coherent influence at the centre, Cross River is becoming increasingly visible, respected, and heard. This shift is not accidental. It is closely tied to the quality of representation the state currently enjoys in Abuja.
For years, Cross River’s presence in national politics was largely symbolic rather than strategic. Its voice existed, but its impact was often limited. That narrative is now changing. The state is no longer on the margins of critical national conversations. It is engaging with intent, shaping outcomes, and asserting its interests with growing confidence. Senator Jarigbe’s contribution to this repositioning has been steady and effective, guided by a clear understanding of national political currents and the patience required to navigate them.
One of the most striking aspects of Jarigbe’s leadership is his refusal to practise politics as a closed circle. He is neither narrow-minded nor clannish, tendencies that have constrained many otherwise capable leaders. Instead, he has invested in relationships that cut across party lines, regions, and interests. This broad-minded approach has strengthened his standing in the Senate and, by extension, amplified the voice of Cross River within the National Assembly.
Politically, Jarigbe is astute without being abrasive. He understands timing, alliance building, and the value of restraint. His compassion and generosity are not performative gestures. They reflect a personal ethic that views leadership as responsibility rather than entitlement. Humility, often scarce in high office, has remained a defining feature of his public conduct.
Equally important is his relationship with the people he represents. Jarigbe has worked deliberately to reduce the distance between office and electorate, a gap that continues to weaken public confidence in democratic institutions. His leadership style is direct and accessible, anchored in the belief that political authority must be justified by service. This connection has helped restore a measure of trust in representation at a time when public cynicism remains high.
Within the Senate, Jarigbe has shown political maturity. He understands the importance of alliances and the discipline of restraint. His interventions are measured, informed, and purposeful. These qualities may not always command loud headlines, but they often yield durable results.
The attendance of leading figures from across Nigeria’s political and economic landscape at his birthday celebration was instructive. Present were the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, the Chief of Staff to the President, the Governor of Cross River State, serving and former senators and ministers, as well as international and national figures from the oil and gas industry. Their presence and goodwill messages were unmistakable signals of respect. From Governor Bassey Otu’s remarks to the pointed reflections of Femi Gbajabiamila, and down to grassroots celebrations across several local governments within and beyond the Northern Senatorial District, the message was clear. Senator Jarigbe has become a figure of consequence in the national political equation.
Beyond symbolism, his record of representation continues to expand the meaning of public service. At a time when political empowerment is often reduced to token gestures, recent testimonies of international scholarships facilitated for constituents point to a broader and more thoughtful approach. This is representation measured not only in visibility, but in opportunity. In this sense, Senator Jarigbe has helped redefine expectations.
He has also shown consistent respect for constituted authority at both state and national levels. His loyalty to the leadership of Cross River State has been evident, even during periods of political difference. He has repeatedly encouraged supporters to respect institutions and leadership. As the governor himself noted during the celebration, Jarigbe’s entry into the APC contributed to greater stability within the party and the state at large.
As Cross River looks ahead, the lesson is clear. Effective representation matters. When leaders combine competence with character, they expand the possibilities for those they serve. Cross River’s growing visibility in national politics suggests that steady, inclusive, and people-centred leadership can reposition a senatorial district and, by extension, the state, without spectacle or confrontation. In this regard, Senator Jarigbe Agom remains not only an asset to Cross River and Abuja, but a symbol of what thoughtful representation can achieve.
Denis Inakefe, ANIPR,
is a media practitioner writing from the temperate hills of Obanliku.
