Stakeholder urges Adamawa Govt. to implement FOI Act
FOI
By Yakubu Uba
Yola, April 20, 2018 (NAN) Adamawa Government has been urged to implement the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, to enhance its renewed commitment towards the fight against corruption and promote good governance.
They made the call in a communiqué issued at the just concluded three-day round table assessment of the implementation of the freedom of information Act in the state held in Yola, on Friday.
The round table sponsored by European Union through British Council was organized by the Freedom of Information Coalition Nigeria (FOICN) and Media Initiative against Injustice, Violence and Corruption (MIIVOC).
The stakeholders also urged Adamawa government to create FOI units and designated desk officers in charge of the units in all public institutions to facilitate the smooth implementation of the FOI Act.
They further urged all states yet implement the FOI Act to do so, adding that the landmark judgment by the Akure Federal Court of Appeal said that the FOI Act was applicable to all states without state assemblies domesticating it.
It said the media, lawyers, CSOs and public officials need to collaborate effectively to ensure that FOI Act work.
“Having developed and adopted an anti-corruption strategy document for Adamawa state, participants urged the government to implement the FOI Act, 2011 in the state to strengthen its anti corruption drive..
“There is need for vigorous statewide, multifaceted public enlightenment programmes at all levels on the FOI Act because of its potential to opening up governance to transparency and enhancing development.
“The media as the fourth estate of the real and an integral part of civil society should wake up to its responsibility of continuing, not only to push for effective implementation of the Act but also using it to enhance and deepen their reportage.”
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adamawa Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr Bala Sanga, had earlier assured that the recommendations would be presented before the state executive council.
He also pledged to push for its approval and implementation.(NAN)
YMU/EAL
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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi