10th July, 2024– The Coalition for Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) commends the recent judgement of a Federal high court sitting in Abuja which discharged and acquitted the publisher of Cross River watch newspaper, Agba Jalingo in a defamatory suit brought against him by the wife of the younger brother of the former governor of the state, Mrs. Elizabeth Alami Ayade.
Mrs. Ayade had approached the court with a civil defamation lawsuit in September, 2023, over a facebook post made by Jalingo bothering on allegations of malpractice in the Nigerian Law school, Abuja, leading to the arrest and subsequent arraignment of the journalist under the Cybercrimes Act.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, however, ruled in favour of Agba Jalingo, dismissing the charges brought against him by Mrs. Elizabeth Alami Ayade.
The Coalition for Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) commends the court for standing on the side of justice and rule of law. The court’s decision to discharge and acquit the journalist further reiterates the position of the coalition that journalists, when they report responsibly, should be able to do so without fear of legal repercussions.
The court’s ruling is a victory for press freedom and the right to freedom of expression as it highlights the importance of a free press in informing the public and holding powerful interests to account. This, from all indications ensures transparency and accountability in governance.
CWPPF equally commends the Journalist, Agba Jalingo for demonstration of courage and dedication to his profession even in the face of the legal impediments. His vindication by the court is a testament to his commitment to journalistic ethics and standards.
Signed: CWPPF Secretariat
For
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