Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, the lawmaker representing Cross River North in the Senate on Tuesday at the floor of the Senate officially defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) citing internal crisis in the PDP.
The lawmaker in a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio which was read at the Tuesday plenary by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau who presided explained that the lingering leadership crisis in the PDP which according to him has put the party in a precarious situation.
Part of the letter reads:
“I rise to formally notify you and the distinguished leadership of the Senate of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, on whose platform I was elected to represent the good people of Cross River North Senatorial District,” Jarigbe wrote.
“The decision came after deep and thoughtful reflection on the current state of my former party.
“It is with regret that I note the persistent and deep-seated divisions and the deliberate factionalisation at both the national and state levels as the primary reasons for my departure.”
“In the light of the foregoing, and in the best interest of my constituents, I have chosen to join the All Progressives Congress.
“I believe that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the steady guidance of the National Assembly, the APC provides a stable and progressive platform to deliver the democratic dividends expected by the people of Cross River North.”
Accpeting the letter of defection, Sen. Jibrin expressed happiness for the defection of the lawmaker saying, “You are most welcome. Please welcome him.”
Jarigbe was the only lawmaker from Cross River who was elected on the platform of the PDP, his move has now ensured that the ruing APC now has a strong control of the South South state.
Senators Eteng Williams (Cross River Central) and Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South) are both APC.
The APC now has overwhelming majority with 76 senators, the PDP 25, Labour Party, LP 4; All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA 2; New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP 1; and Social Democratic Party, SDP 1, totaling 109.
