- Cross River State has three senators representing the state’s three senatorial districts in the National Assembly
- The senators advocate for economic growth and social development of the state, ensuring constituents' concerns are heard at the national level
- TheRadar profiled the three senators representing the people of Cross River state in the 10th National Assembly
As part of our ongoing ‘Know Your Lawmakers,’ series, we focus this edition on the senators representing Cross River State in the National Assembly for the period between 2023 and 2027.
Cross River State, located in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone, was created on May 27, 1967, from the eastern part of the Eastern Region.
Named after the Cross River that flows through it, the state is often referred to as "The People's Paradise" due to its scenic beauty and vibrant culture.
Representing Cross River in the National Assembly are three senators, each from one of the state’s senatorial districts: Cross River North, Cross River South, and Cross River Central.
These lawmakers play vital roles in advocating for their constituents, addressing local concerns, and shaping policies that foster economic growth and social development.
TheRadar compiled the three senators representing the state’s senatorial districts below:
1. Ekpenyong Asuquo (Cross River South)
Asuquo Ekpenyong is a Nigerian politician and financial expert currently serving as the Senator for Cross River South in the National Assembly.
Prior to his current role, he was appointed as Cross River State’s Commissioner for Finance, becoming one of the youngest people to hold such a position in the country.
Ekpenyong is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has built a career that spans both the financial sector and public service.
His career began in Lagos as a financial analyst before he moved to academia, taking up a position as a lecturer at the University of Calabar.
At the age of 29, Ekpenyong made history as the youngest person to serve as Commissioner for Finance in Cross River State. He later held the position of Commissioner for Transport and Marine Services.
In 2022, he won the APC senatorial primaries with a dominant 347 votes out of 351. Ekpenyong was appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in 2023, solidifying his influence in national politics.
As part of his empowerment effort, he supported an initiative that trained 250 young people in digital skills through his constituency office, working with the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
Additionally, he sponsored a bill that sought to create the South-South Development Commission, which was successfully passed for a second reading in the Senate after overcoming initial resistance.
Speaking on the Bill, Ekpenyong said, “Some may ask, isn’t the Niger Delta Development Commission already fulfilling these functions? Distinguished colleagues, let me explain why the proposed South-South Development Commission is both distinct and necessary. The NDDC is a multi-regional body that includes states like Abia and Imo from the Southeast and Ondo from the Southwest.
“However, both of these regions now have their own dedicated development commissions, the Southeast Development Commission and the Southwest Development Commission.
“This setup has diluted the focus and resources of the NDDC, making it less effective in addressing the unique challenges of the South-South.”
He further said, “Another key difference lies in how funds are allocated. The NDDC allocates resources based on oil production, which has led to unequal development, with higher oil-producing states receiving a disproportionate share of resources.
“The South-South Development Commission will ensure equality in resource distribution among member states, focusing on regional development rather than just oil revenue. Funding will come from various streams, including federal allocations, international grants, and developmental partnerships.”
2. Eteng Jonah Williams (Cross River Central)
Eteng Jonah Williams represents Cross River Central in the Nigerian Senate. Before his current role, he served as Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly from June 2019 to June 2023.
A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) since 2021, Eteng was elected three times to represent the Yakurr II State Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly.
He also chaired various important committees before eventually becoming Speaker of the 9th Assembly. During his time as Speaker, he oversaw the passage of significant legislation, including the Cross River State House of Assembly Service Commission Bill (2020), the Judiciary Funds Management Bill (2021), and the Legislature Funds Management Bill (2021).
In February 2023, Eteng contested and won the Cross River Central Senatorial seat with 57,344 votes under the APC. Since taking office in the Senate, he has introduced several bills, including the Mineral and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill, the Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguard Bill, and the Chartered Institute of Petroleum and Gas Engineers of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill.
As part of his empowerment efforts, he organised a three-day training program for 200 women and youths to enhance their entrepreneurship skills.
He has also raised motions on national issues impacting his district, such as requesting government support for victims of communal violence and advocating for greater protection and support for internally displaced persons in his constituency.
3. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe (Cross River North)
Jarigbe Agom, representing Cross River North in the Nigerian Senate, is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Before his current role, he served as a member of the House of Representatives for the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency during both the 8th and 9th National Assembly sessions.
Jarigbe initially won the Cross River North Senatorial bye-election in 2020, though his victory was contested. The Supreme Court later confirmed his election in 2021, affirming his status as the duly elected senator.
In the 2023 senatorial race, Jarigbe successfully retained his seat under the PDP.
As part of his empowerment efforts, Jarigbe facilitated foreign scholarships for 15 of his constituents, enabling them to pursue postgraduate studies abroad, with funding provided by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF).
Additionally, he has overseen the construction of more than five basic school buildings to improve education in the region. Jarigbe has also sponsored some legislative agendas which include:
The Federal Medical Centre Ogoja Establishment Bill 2023 (SB 142); the Police Act 2020 (Amendment) Bill 2023 (SB 54); and the Federal University of Agriculture, Ogoja, Cross River State (Establishment) Bill 2023 (SB 809), which has passed its second reading.
Know Your Lawmakers Series: Senators representing Abia in 10th National Assembly
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Abia State has three senatorial districts, each represented by a senator in the National Assembly
TheRadar compiled the three Abia senators in the Nigerian Senate, responsible for lawmaking and regional advocacy.