NPAN Hails Passage of FOI Bill

Jaiyeola Andrews

26 May 2011

Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has hailed the passage of Freedom of Information (FoI) Bill by both the lower and upper chambers of the National Assembly.

It equally described the passage of the bill as a welcome development, as it will ensure accountability and transparency in public service as well as act as a catalyst to good governance.

In a statement signed by NPAN President, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola and made available to THISDAY Wednesday, the body said “Coming as it did in the final days of this administration and preparation for the inauguration of another, it is likely to set the tone for a new thinking in government and the entire public service that the old order is set to change.

“Certainly, it is a major impetus to the efforts at combating corruption, one which is likely to empower all the appropriate groups and processes in their monitoring and whistle-blowing responsibilities.”

NPAN noted that the National Assembly must be commended for the laudable feat adding that the lawmakers would be recorded positively in history for yielding to the wishes of the people against personal interest in passing the bill.

It gave kudos to the Senate President, David Mark, Senators Ndoma-Egba and Smart Adeyemi; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole and Representative Abike Dabiri-Erewa, among others for their contributions.

“The civil society groups, especially the Freedom of Information Coalition, the press, and all other advocates of good governance, also, have every cause to celebrate this victory, which was won after a long-drawn struggle.

“On this eve of his inauguration, the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) calls on the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to immediately sign the bill into law. It is the greatest pre-inauguration gift that he can give to Nigeria and Nigerians. “There can be no better way of proclaiming that, right from the moment that he is sworn-in as president in his own right, a new day has dawned for Nigeria” NPAN averred.

AllAfrica – All the Time