The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), Cross River State Chapter, has called on Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, to order the release of detained journalist, Mr. Agba Jalingo.
The Seadogs in a letter to the governor titled, ”RE: CONTINUED DETENTION OF MR. AGBA JALINGO: A PASSIONATE APPEAL FOR URGENT INTERVENTION”, signed by their Chapter President, Sir Maurice Ibok, said the continued detention and trial of Jalingo, is a matter which has become truly worrisome in several quarters and borders on human rights.
The letter which implores the governor to act swiftly on the matter, said releasing Mr. Jalingo, will remove unnecessary distractions in the path of the governor as he pushes forward with the development of Cross River State.
The letter reads in part, “Your recent successful inauguration of the State Executive Council is a step in the right direction and indicates your strong desire to continue the serious business of providing good governance to the people without unnecessary distraction, or lack of focus. We truly congratulate you and offer our support to the progressive endeavour.”
“There is however, Your Excellency, some fly in the ointment; the matter of the continued detention of Mr. Agba Jalingo. It is a matter which has become truly worrisome in several quarters and borders on human rights”. “We are concerned that the longer that his detention lasts, the bigger the risk of distraction which your Government faces. We do not believe that your Government desires or even would enjoy any distraction at this, or any other point in time.
