Popular Nigerian journalist, Agba Jalingo, has been charged with treason by the police for allegedly criticising Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, and attempting to incite the people of the state against Ayade through his publication,The Punch Newspaper reports.
However, in a swift reaction, human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), lambasted the state governor for abuse of power, asking him to sue Jalingo for defamation instead.
Falana also slammed the police for being a willing tool of oppression against Nigerians despite a subsisting Court of Appeal ruling that a public officer who has been defamed cannot use the machinery of the state to harass citizens.
“A Nigerian cannot be charged with any criminal offence for criticising a governor or any other public officer in Nigeria.But, “Since the charge constitutes a gross abuse of judicial process, we call on the Inspector-General of Police to discontinue or withdraw it without any delay. If Governor Ayade feels offended by any statement made by Mr Jalingo, he is advised to sue for libel in the High Court of Cross River State.” Mr. Falana opined.
Jalingo, who runs a news website, ‘Cross River Watch’, had accused Prof. Ayade of embezzling government funds to the tune of N500m.
source:NSEMGH.COM