•Declare Vote of Confidence
Chidinma Iroegbu
Women professionals from Cross River North, under the aegis of Women Accountability Watch WAW, have condemned the smear campaign on the Senator representing Cross River North, Senator Jarigbe Agom.
In a statement signed by the group Public Relations Officer, Agbo Aruku, the women described as malicious a publication alleging that Senator Jarigbe has turned procurement processes into a family Business.
According to the group, the fact that the projects in question were duly executed is of more importance than who executed it.
They further said at a time when we only hear about approvals for contracts without seeing their execution in some parts of Cross River, Senator Jarigbe has scored high in his attraction and execution of contracts in Cross River North which they say range from roads to lights, water, schools , Empowerment and even scholarships.
They cautioned those behind the allegations to desist from distracting the Senator from the developmental work he is carrying out in the constituency.
They further cited the procurement act saying that Sections 16(1) and 54(1)(b) of the Nigerian Public Procurement Act (2007) together imply that:
– Family members of public officials aren’t barred from bidding if they meet eligibility criteria (Section 16(1)).
– Public officers shouldn’t have private interests in procurement contracts, emphasizing transparency (Section 54(1)(b)).
Drawing from the above, the group said Senator Jarigbe’s clarification aligns with this since he is not a director in the company, and the project was executed transparently.
They restated their confidence in Senator Jarigbe and his style of representation, adding that Cross River North has never had it so good.