The Senate, despite a ruling by the Supreme Court, is yet to swear in Mr. Arigbe Agom Jarigbe as a senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District. 

In February, the Supreme Court held that Mr Jarigbe was to be issued a Certificate of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission and be sworn in as the Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had won the December 5, 2020 by-election with Mr Jarigbe as its valid candidate, after the elections were rescheduled to replace the late Rose Okoh. 

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal declared Mr Jarigbe as the duly nominated candidate of the PDP and the rightful winner of the election against Dr Stephen Odey, who was declared by INEC and sworn in by the Senate.

An appeal challenging the appeal court’s judgement was filed by Senator Stephen Odey. However, the Supreme Court, in a split decision of four to three, dismissed Mr. Odey’s suit. 

It has been over a month since the apex court gave its ruling but Mr. Jarigbe is yet to take his oath as a Senator-elect. 

People’s Gazette’s efforts to get comments from the Senate spokesperson, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, for this story were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or text messages.