However, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a non-government rights group, had threatened to sue Ayade and the Cross River State government over Jalingo’s detention. Specifically, SERAP had alleged that Governor Ayade orchestrated Jalingo’s ordeal over a publication alleging fraud against the governor.But Ayade said Jalingo was facing treason charges, stating that treason charges were beyond the purview of any state government or individual, but falls within Federal Government’s jurisdiction. Jalingo is not just from Cross River State, he’s not just from Obudu where I also come from, but he is my brother. “It is the Federal Government versus Agba Jalingo and not Cross River State. “You see him as a journalist, but he’s not, he’s the chairman of Sowore’s party in Cross River State so he’s a politician.

Source: The Guardian January 28, 2020 04:30 UTC