In the volatile arena of Nigerian politics, allegations of corruption are often weaponized to dismantle rising careers. However, a powerful coalition of women in Cross River North has risen to the defense of Senator Jarigbe Agom, categorically dismissing recent smear campaigns as baseless political witch-hunts. The group, operating under the banner of Women Accountability Watch, insists that the senator’s track record speaks louder than the "malicious" narratives being peddled by his detractors.

This defense is significant because it shifts the focus from sensational headlines to tangible development. The group argues that the accusations—centering on procurement irregularities and nepotism—are designed to distract from the senator’s substantial delivery of public goods. By rallying behind him, these civil society actors are asserting that performance should be the ultimate metric of leadership, not unverified gossip.

Development vs. Distraction

The controversy stems from claims that Senator Jarigbe steered procurement contracts to family members. The Women Accountability Watch has countered this by citing the Nigerian Public Procurement Act, noting that the law does not explicitly bar family members from bidding provided they meet eligibility criteria and the process is transparent. Their argument is pragmatic: the projects in question—roads, water systems, and schools—have been delivered to a high standard.

"We are seeing roads where there were none, and water flowing where it was dry," a representative stated. The group contends that while other regions grapple with "ghost projects" that exist only on paper, Cross River North is witnessing actual infrastructure transformation. They view the attacks as a coordinated effort by political rivals to derail this progress.

• Legal Defense: The group cited Sections 16(1) and 54(1)(b) of the Procurement Act to debunk claims of illegality.
• Grassroots Support: The swift mobilization of women professionals suggests Senator Jarigbe enjoys a deep reservoir of goodwill at the community level.

A Call for Responsible Discourse

The intervention by these civil society groups serves as a warning against the dangers of "campaigns of calumny." They are urging the public and the media to exercise due diligence before amplifying damaging allegations. In a political climate often defined by mudslinging, their stance is a demand for issue-based engagement.

As the political temperature rises, the defense of Senator Jarigbe highlights a growing trend of citizens actively protecting leaders they perceive as performers. It is a clear message to political operatives: smear campaigns may no longer be enough to unseat a leader who has the people’s trust.