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CSOs Seek Speedy Transmission of FOI Bill to President for
Assent
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2011
Newsdiaryonline
Advocates of freedom of information and open government in
Nigeria said in a statement that they welcome
today’s passage by both Chambers of the National Assembly of the
Harmonised version of the FOI bill.
Ms. Ene Enonche, Coordinator of the Right to Information
Initiative, who was present in the gallery during the session
said, “This action by the National Assembly reaffirms their
commitment to open government and effective citizenship. Some
members of the National Assembly appeared hesitant at the onset.
However, once they became convinced about the benefits of the
Bill, they all guided it through the various stages of the
process with vigour, clarity, and unity of purpose.”
The advocates - drawn from civil society organisations and
professional bodies from within and beyond Nigeria - also called
on the Clerk of the National Assembly to immediately transmit
the Bill to President Goodluck Jonathan for assent. They
expressed hope that the President would assent to the bill
before the inauguration at the end of this week.
Mr Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda, who
also attended the proceedings of the National Assembly during
which the Bill was passed said, “By signing the bill into law
immediately, President Jonathan will be sending a strong signal
to Nigerians that he truly believes in participatory governance,
and that they can hope for a new regime of people-centred
governance and true democracy in the coming years.”
The House of Representatives and the Senate unanimously passed
the FOI Bill on February 24, 2011 and March 16, 2011,
respectively. In compliance with the Standing Orders of both
chambers , the Senate named its Conference Committee members on
March 16, 2011 while the House of Representatives designated its
members on May 11, 2011.
The Conference Committee comprised Senator Ayogu Eze,
Chairperson; Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, Co-Chairperson;
Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), Senator Adamu Talba, Senator
Anthony Manzo, Senator Kamorudeen Adedibu, Senator Otaru
Ohize, Honourable Ahmed Wadada, Honourable Mohammed Sani
Takori, Honourable Patrick Ikhariale, Honourable
Nkem Abonta, and Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
At its meeting of Thursday, May 19, 2011, the Committee
harmonized the differences between both versions of the Bill,
adopting provisions which strongly protect the right of access
to information and ensure the effectiveness of the Law.
The harmonised bill was presented before the Senate by Senator
Ayogu Eze, Chairperson of the Conference Committee. The Bill was
similarly presented before the House of Representatives by the
Co-chairperson of the Committee, Honourable Henry Seriake
Dickson. In both
sessions, the Harmonised Bill was unanimously adopted. The Bill
will now be transmitted to the President, following whose
assent, the Bill will become law.
In 2007, under similar circumstances, President Olusegun
Obasanjo refused to assent to the FOI Bill. However, President
Goodluck Jonathan has repeatedly affirmed to Nigerians his
willingness and commitment to sign this FOI Bill into law.
Related story:
FOI Bill: CSOs commend lawmakers, seek
urgent passage ..
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