NUJ President demands immediate release of Agba Jalingo, others, lauds FG over Sowore, Dasuki

“I wish to formally welcome the release of Mr. Omoyele Sowore and Col Sambo Dasuki rtd from the DSS custody today on the orders of the Federal Government. This is indeed a welcome development and a good Christmas Present for not just the duo but for democracy. Two key ingredients of democratic governance are Respect for Rule of Law and Free Speech (Press Freedom) and once they are not respected, democracy will certainly be under threat” he said.

While commending the federal government for doing what he called the needful, he also demanded the release of Cross River Watch publisher, Agba Jalingo who has been held in detention on the instruction of Ben Ayade, the Cross River State Governor.

“I applaud the government for doing the needful albeit belatedly but it’s better late than never. I also urge the government to release other political detainees as well as journalists who have been clamped into detention based on trumped up charges especially by some state governments. A case in point is the incarceration of Agba Jalingo, who is presently in detention on the orders of Cross River State Government. The Federal Government should quickly intervene by ordering his immediate release.

“Democracy is about the people and any action that undermines people’s right to free expression remains unacceptable. Despite the challenges, Nigerians must continue to keep hope alive” he stated.