"Cross Riverians, Shine Your Eyes!" – Agba Jalingo Urges Citizens to Hold Leaders Accountable

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Popular journalist, activist and publisher of CrossRiverWatch, Agba Jalingo, has published a strong opinion article titled "For Your Information, Cross Riverians…", where he reflects on his years of criticizing governments in the state and urges citizens not to stop asking questions about how public resources are managed. 

In the article, Jalingo recalls that when CrossRiverWatch began publishing during the second term of former Governor Liyel Imoke, it was uncommon for people to openly criticize the government on social media. According to him, many people accepted whatever the government said without questioning it, while his platform chose to investigate and report on government activities instead. 

He admitted that in those early years, his team sometimes focused too much on the personal affairs of public officials, including the health of a governor. Looking back, he says he later realized that the media should concentrate more on government decisions, projects, policies and the use of public funds, rather than private matters that do not directly affect governance. 

Jalingo stressed that questioning government is not an act of hatred or disrespect. Rather, he argued that citizens have a responsibility to monitor those in power because elected leaders are managing public resources on behalf of the people. He believes that roads, schools, hospitals and other government projects should be inspected by the public instead of being accepted based only on official announcements. 

He also warned Cross Riverians against what he described as a culture of praising politicians without demanding results. According to him, many supporters defend political leaders even when there are obvious shortcomings, making it difficult for governments to receive honest feedback. He said progress can only come when citizens speak the truth, even if it is uncomfortable. 

Using his own experience as an example, Jalingo explained that he has criticized different administrations over the years because he believes every government should be held to the same standard, regardless of who is in power. He maintained that his interest is to see Cross River State develop through transparency, accountability and responsible leadership. 

He encouraged ordinary people in villages and towns not to be afraid of asking simple questions whenever new projects are announced. In his view, citizens should ask whether the project was completed, whether it is benefiting the people, and whether public money was properly spent. He believes these questions are part of every citizen's democratic right. 

The article has already generated discussion among readers because it challenges both political leaders and citizens to play their roles in improving governance in Cross River State.

Editor's Note: This report summarizes the opinions and arguments presented by Agba Jalingo in his published commentary. The views expressed are his own and should not be interpreted as established facts or the position of CrossRiverWatch.