…As CHARS-Africa calls for more transparency, accountability in governance
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Legal luminary, Chief Ukpai Ukairo, has lamented the non-domestication of Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, by many states in Nigeria despite the innumerable benefits of the legislative framework passed into law by the National Assembly since 2011.
Chief Ukairo presented a paper during a Stakeholdes’ Meeting in Umuahia titled, “Support to Civil Society Advocacy Towards Strengthening New Legislative Frameworks for Increased Accountability and Good Governance.”
The programme was organised by the African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa), supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC), and the European Union.
Chief Ukairo who said “it is the right of citizens to know the day-to-day businesses of the government,” lamented the challenges they encounter in accessing government information.
Earlier in her address, the Executive Director of CHARS-Africa, Mrs Amaka Biachi, said the meeting was to sensitise the stakeholders on the gains of the legislative frameworks, and challenge them to explore them to deepen democracy in the state.
She identified the legislative frameworks as the Fiscal Responsibility Act, Public Procurement Act, and the FOI Act.
The Rights Activist who is also a lawyer, urged governments at all levels to be more transparent in its activities and to make public access to information and documents less cumbersome.
She noted with concern, the non-adherence to due process as provided by the relevant legislative frameworks in the conduct of most government businesses.
The CHARS-Africa boss who decried the challenges individuals and civil society groups often encounter in accessing government information, appealed to governments at all levels to view CSOs as willing partners in progress, and not enemies.
She posited that compliance with the legislative frameworks would only help to deepen democracy in the interest of all.
Mrs Biachi who acknowledged the developmental strides of the current administration in Abia State, pleaded with the Government to make access to information about its activities readily available to CSOs and any interested members of the public.
She said: “Because the will of of the people brought the Government to power, the people also want to use their vote to secure the standard that will outlive the current administration.”
In a remark, the Executive Director, Foundation for Environmental Advocacy and Development, FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nwafor, regretted that some states in the country were yet to domesticate the FOI Act.
Comrade Nwafor further regretted that even in the states that have domesticated the FOI Act, accessing valuable public information, still has a lot of obstacles.
Other speakers commended CHARS-Africa for organising the meeting and for supported the crusade for transparency and accountability in governance.
Participants at the well -attended stakeholders’ meeting were drawn from CSOs and various stakeholders in the state.
