Freedom of information and Nigeria A recent report by the amnesty international shows global reaction to the level of freedom enjoyed by Nigerians in terms of information. The report cited cases of security officers arresting journalists in Borno states for criticizing the action of the governor of the state. There was also a report on the ill treatment of pressman in September. 2007 during the prison riot in Africa’s second largest city, Ibadan. Where does all these point to for remedy?
The FOI bill
; if signed into law will enable Nigerians to lawfully ask for information on issues bordering on governance and get it without any hindrance or excuses .The last administration under pres Obasanjo refused to sign the bill into law despite passing through both houses of the national assembly.
The pressure is however o
n the present lawmakers of the senate to fasten the passage of the bill to the new government for an executive signature. The good people of Nigeria and the media stakeholders have suffered long enough since the military regime and deserve the golden freedom of information.