Group Calls For Domestication Of Freedom Of Information Act In Edo









Group Calls For Domestication Of Freedom Of Information Act In Edo

Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin

In a bid to ensure the Freedom of Information Act is domesticated in Edo state, some group known as; Conference of Non Governmental Organisations (CONGOs) in conjunction with ResearcherNG Abuja have embarked on a peaceful protest to press for the usage of the FOIA in the state.

The event which was organized by ResearcherNG Abuja and funded by USAID with the help of Media and Public Mobilization campaign for the domestication of the Act. 

The group also went to the Edo State House of Assembly to let the lawmakers know the essence why the FOI Act should be domesticated.

Stating what brought them to the House of Assembly, the Policy and Governance Advocacy Officer ResearcherNG, Modupe Akinwale, said:"we are here called for the domestication of this law because we are also aware that there is a court case that may be an obstacle to this domestication.

" Aside of that, we are requesting that you create a state specific pressure for Edo state to show that Edo state is open, transparent and accountable," she added.

Addressing the group on behalf of the Speaker and the lawmakers,  the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Comrade Ivy Ebosele Idodo, said the policymakers are really in support of their quest to ensure the FOI Act is domesticated.

She said "the speaker and members are with EdoHIS in Executive session. Talking about the health need of Edo people. The 8th Assembly has Edo people at heart.

" The Freedom of Information is something we all need. If you are talking about anything that has to do with Edo state house of Assembly, you need to do it in form of a petition or a write up. Whatever that we be done that talk about your needs and aspirations.

" And you have to come back to see us, so you will come and present it to the Speaker. So that you can come and talk to members all these your needs. We know we all need access to information and this Freedom of lnformation Act suppose to be domesticated long time ago.

" I know this issue has come often and this is the time for it to be domesticated. It is the write up we need and present it to the leadership of the house," she added.


The groups also march to the premises of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Benin City, Edo State, said the rally has become so vital  because the citizens have the rights to seek for information and should not be stop.

In her comment, the Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities, Edo State, Comrade Ann Ojugo, said that it is worrisome that since the Freedom of Information Bill became an Act, is still not domesticated in Edo State.

Ann Ojugo asserted that the domestication of the FOIA in the state will enable citizens to hold the government of the day accountable to its citizens.

She said,"The FOIA has been passed at the national level but in Edo State, it has not been domesticated. 

"The Freedom of Information Act will place everyone on the same page and to know what the government is doing in Nigeria, what we need to know, the good effects of the governance, and what we also need to add to it if the government is not working well.

"Any society that is not informed, will be deformed. That is why this morning, we deemed it fit to come to this NUJ Press Centre to air our minds and views for you to lend your voice."

Addressing journalists in NUJ, the Policy and Governance Advocacy Officer ResearcherNG, Modupe Akinwale, said that if the FOIA is domesticated in the state, it will befit all, including the media practitioners.

Akinwale said,"We are agitating for the domestication of the Freedom of Information Act. 

"We started our campaign from the king square and we have also been to the state house of assembly where we had the Special Adviser to the speaker on Media advised us. 

"We have also been asked to write them a letter and also sent draft bills for them to take action. So, as a leader when it comes to the media in Edo State, we are certain that you are in support of this advocacy as knowledge is power."

"

Responding, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, Festus Alenkhe, extoled the group for calling for its domestication in the state.

" we are appealing to the state government to put up a legal team in the ministry of justice and other stakeholders to join in ensuring that this FOIA that had since be passed into law is domesticated. 

"We  the Nigeria Union of Journalists are 100% with you in this struggle to make the bill is adequately domesticated in Edo state," Comrade Alenkhe said.


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