Jarigbe defects to APC as Senate confirms new PENCOM board

From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

Another senator, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, from Cross River State, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This is just as the Senate confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s nominees for the Governing Board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).

Jarigbe, representing Cross River North, in a letter read by Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, in plenary, cited “deep-seated divisions and factionalisation” within the PDP as reasons for leaving the party. His defection raises the number of APC senators to 76, while PDP now has 25, Labour Party four, APGA two, SDP one, and NNPP one.

Explaining his decision, Jarigbe said he joined the ruling party to align his constituents with President Tinubu’s development agenda. “I believe the APC provides a stable and progressive platform to deliver the democratic dividends expected by the people of Cross River North,” he said.

He added, “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,” the lawmaker stated.

Meanwhile, the Senate confirmed Mr. Agbaje Opeyemi Olukayode, representing South West zone, as the chairman, and Hafiz Ibrahim (North West) as Commissioner, Technical; Samuel Uwandu (South East), Commissioner, Inspectorate; Charles Efe Emukwhate (South South), Commissioner, Finance, and Bello Abubakar Malabu from North East as Commissioner in charge of Administration.

Presenting the screening report, Cyril Fasuyi said the appointees met all necessary qualifications. Presiding over the session, Senator Barau commended President Tinubu for nominating “highly competent Nigerians” and expressed confidence that the new board would strengthen the pension system.

In his remarks, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary, commended President Tinubu for the nominations, describing the appointees as highly qualified.