By Perpetua Onuegbu
Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, and the state’s House of Assembly, have been commended over the successful introduction and first reading of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill.
The Digital Rights and Information Partnership (DRIP), gave the commendation in a statement issued by Miss Vanessa Williams, its Programme Officer, North East Humanitarian Innovation Hub, on Wednesday.
According to Williams, the introduction of the bill is a testament to the interest the state has in creating an open and accountable government that protects the interests of its citizens.
“The progressive step by the Adamawa State Government to domesticate the FOI is a welcome development that will put the state as one of the pioneers of this great initiative.
“This step will help to advance citizen/government relationship; and we enjoin Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri and the State House of Assembly to continue to work together to accelerate the passage of the bill,” she added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that DRIP is a group of civil society organisations, including Gatefield and the North East Humanitarian Innovation Hub.
It was established to advocate for enabling laws and policies for digital rights and freedom of information in Nigeria.
DRIP, an advocacy coalition under the USAID SCALE, and under the DRIP cluster, is currently advocating for the passage of the FOI Act in Adamawa, Kaduna, and Edo states.
NAN also reports that the FOI Act, signed into law on May 28, 2011, by President Goodluck Jonathan, aims to make public information, records, and documents more freely available.
However, only two states namely; Imo and Ekiti, have domesticated the federal law. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)