There is light at the end of the tunnel, and for Agba Jalingo it may well be so. Jalingo was detained by the Nigerian authorities for his reports on corruption in the Cross River State government, fingering Governor Benedict Ayade. He was charged with treason and disturbing the public peace. However, Jalingo, who was only granted bail after 179 days in detention, has now been recognised by Spaces for Change (S4C) with the Courage in Difficulty award.
According to S4C, a human rights non-governmental organisation, the Courage in Difficulty award honours and recognises the contributions of activists who play courageous roles by pushing against political tyranny. Through the award, S4C acknowledges the selfless sacrifices that institutionalise civic engagement at all levels of governance in Nigeria, especially activists who found and lead credible human rights organisations.
Jalingo, who is the publisher of CrossRiverWatch, was thrilled by the honour of being the only young person to receive the award alongside pioneering activists from the 1980s and 1990s. He took to his Facebook page to share the news with his friends, family and well-wishers, who all greeted the news with congratulatory and encouraging messages.
Source: Agba Jalingo
Photo source: Premium Times
