JUMADA-AWWAL 7, 1429 A.H.
TUESDAY, MAY 13 2008
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IFJ decries delay in passage of FOI bill
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has expressed disappointment over the delay in the passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill by the National Assembly.
It said in a statement yesterday in Abuja that the delay was an indication that Nigerian legislators were afraid of passing a ``bill that may lead to exposure of corruption and other illegal or unethical activities''.
The statement urged the lawmakers to put a stop to the incessant delays, which had characterised deliberations on the bill since 1999 when it was first presented.
The statement was issued Mr Gabriel Baglo, the Director of IFJ Africa Office in Cote d'Ivoire.
The bill suffered a setback for the fifth time on April 28 when the House of Representatives suspended debate on it.
If passed into law, the bill will enable ordinary Nigerians, researchers and the media to have access to information on government activities from its officialsand agencies.
IFJ has more than 600,000 members in 120 countries, including Nigeria.
