By Godwin Otang
The Cross River State Civil Society Network and African Dignity Foundation, has craved the indulgence of the Nigerian authorities both at Federal and State levels to consider alternative dispute resolution mechanism through dialogue, with the Nigerian Media society to resolve what the NGO referred to as “a growing embarrassment to the Nation”.
In a statement to mark the International Day to end Impunity and Crimes Against Journalist, Mr. Ben Usang took to his social media handle express the thoughts of the NGOs.
He said that “Agba Jalingo, the publisher of the online daily CrossRiverWatch and host of the Radio show, The Dialogue With Agba Jalingo, is innocent” and stated that the charges against him “remains preposterous to imagine”.
The NGOs enjoin Nigerians to use this year’s celebration to prove that the society is humane, values human dignity, good governance and sustainable development.
The statement reads in part, “On International Day To End Impunity For Crimes Against Journalist,
Cross River State Civil Society Network and African Dignity Foundation are seriously concerned that despite the obvious reality that Agba Jalingo is innocent, he is under going judicial trial while being denied bail for reasons difficult to fathom. Having been charged for crimes that seem preposterous to imagine.
“On this day, we call on the Nigerian authorities to enter into a dialogue with the Nigeria Media Community to resolve this detention that has resulted in a growing embarrassment to the Nation. It is not out of order if the Government considers the alternative dispute resolution mechanism especially when it is clear that Agba Jalingo is not a common criminal but one who desires good governance even if his tactics and strategies seems to be proactive and bold.
“Let us use the occasion of this year’s celebration to show the world that we are capable of being a humane society that values Human dignity, good Governance and sustainable development.
“God Bless Nigeria, God protect and strengthen all our well meaning Journalist who are being victimized in the course of discharging their legitimate duties”, says the CEO of the organization.”
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