By Akpan David, Calabar
A former prison inmate at the Federal Correctional Centre in Afokang area of Calabar, Mr Agba Jalingo has facilitated the donation of 50 bags of rice to the inmates for their Christmas and New Year Celebrations.
He said it was a promise he had made to his former colleagues after he was released few months ago following incarceration by state forces for daring to criticise alleged misgovernace and misapplication of resources.
He said he was able to speak to the commissioner for health in Cross River State, Dr Betta Edu who is also the chairman of the state COVID-19 Response Team who immediately consented.
Promising to monitor to ensure that the 50 bags of rice are not stolen, Jalingo who recently organised a football tournament for the inmates, said that the inmates are happy that they would also celebrate as others.
The civil rights activist and journalist, said “The last time he visited Afokang prison, the inmates complained that, though Corona virus got to the prison, the COVID 19 palliatives that followed the virus did not get to them.
I promised them that God willing, since they are still INSIDE LIFE, I, their former colleague, will hustle for whatever I can get and bring it for them. The hustle pay.
“I was able to get 50 bags of 10kg rice and all the fifty have been safely delivered to my alma mater minutes ago.
“Thank you Dr. Betta Edu for your response. The inmates are happy once again.”
According to Jalingo, the rice has been collected into the prison kitchen by the Ration Master. “We are keeping tabs to be sure some unscrupulous wardens don’t pack them home.”
