A retired operative of the Department of State Services, DSS, Nwaogu Ezeakolam, has been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged links to...
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benue State, Herman Hembe, on Thursday pledged to serve only one four-year term if elected governor in 2027,...
Introduction A free, independent, and vibrant press is one of the strongest pillars of any democratic society. It is against this background that most democratic countries make constitutional provisions for a free press . Others even go further to enact specific laws to make affairs of governments freely available to the public. Currently, there are more than 130 countries in the world that have free press laws. They include Sweden, United States, France, South Africa and Nigeria. Nigeria did not only make constitutional provisions in Sections 22 and 39(1) of the 1999 Constitution ( as amended) but also went ahead to enact the Freedom of Information Act in 2011. Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution states: “ “The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this chapter( ie Chapter II) and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people” Section 39(1) of same Constitution states : “Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference” .. To complement these constitutional provisions, Section 1 (1) of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) states “Notwithstanding anything contained in any other Act, law or regulation, the right of any person to access or request information, whether or not contained in any written form, which is in the custody or possession of any public official, agency or institution howsoever described, is established.” while Section 2(2), states that: “A public institution shall ensure the proper organization and maintenance of all information in its custody in a manner that facilitates public access to such information” Primary Purpose of FOIA According to the Act, its primary purpose is to make information about public records freely available to every Nigerian in the public interest. Relevance To Journalists And Press Freedom Although, the law is for every citizen to access public information, it is most relevant to journalists and whistleblowers. Given the fact that the Act has been in existence for 15 years, how far has it impacted on the scope of press freedom in Nigeria?. This writer believes that the Act has essentially given legal backing to journalists to request public interest information, expose corruption in public places as well as establish a clear avenue to sue public entities that refuse to disclose information. NOTABLE CASES IN SUPPORT OF FOIA Some of the notable cases adjudicated upon to support these arguments during the period include: Committee for Defence of Human Rights(CDHR) V Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) (Suit No.FHC/L/CS/784/2011) This is the first case that tested the implementation of the provisions of the FOIA. In this case,the CDHR requested the EFCC to disclose its evidence of a bribery allegation it made against some members of its leadership. When the EFCC refused to do so, the CDHR sued the organisation at a Federal High Court in Lagos to release information to back up its claim. In a judgement delivered by Justice Binta Nyako, the EFCC was asked to disclose the information to the public.This judgment opened the door for future litigations on the effectiveness of the Act....
Nigeria and United States-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have agreed to strengthen collaboration through a new strategic partnership aimed at promoting Nigeria’s global image, deepening bilateral engagement...
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately return to court to vacate the order freezing the bank accounts of...
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to lift the freeze order restricting an account of the Osun State Government. Mr...
The Democratic Alliance (DA) briefs the media ahead of their Manifesto Launch rally on Saturday. LIVE STREAM BELOW: Source link
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has approved the release of the sum ₦130 million for the immediate implementation of key staff entitlements at Benue State University...
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says it had no reason to freeze Ekiti state government’s account during its governorship election because it does not...
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday nullified the nomination of Timehin Adeleye as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Owo/Ose Federal...
In his three decades exploring a complex field, Joiner continues asking two overarching questions that many other psychologists are left...
– Advertisement – Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime, oil and gas and environmental sectors have been urged to establish a multi-stakeholder...
The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) has announced plans to organise aerobics sessions every three months to promote healthy...
For Charles, Miami’s mix of cultures also connects to lessons he learned as a student in Tallahassee. “Music brings people...
– Advertisement – As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum, the newly elected President...
By Franca Ofili The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has said that Ebola outbreak in...
Nollywood actor Olaide Olabanji has criticised some of his colleagues for supporting politicians who, according to him, have contributed little...
Florida State University will welcome bestselling author and commentator David Brooks to campus Sept. 10 for a conversation with President...
Enoch Oluwaleke The Asido Foundation has welcomed the Federal Executive Council’s approval of an amendment to Nigeria’s National Mental Health...
After meeting with Pope Leo, the Salzburg Youth Orchestra “Bella Musica” recorded a concert in the historic Vatican Radio studio...
– Advertisement – The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA) has called for a full and transparent investigation into a...
By Catherine Egwuom Health expert, Dr Maymunah Kadiri, has urged healthcare workers to prioritise their mental health and well-being. Kadiri...
Grammy Award-winning American jazz songstress, Cassandra Wilson, is dead. The singer died at 70 on Wednesday September 2, 2026, at...
Students and their families celebrate Family Weekend in the Student Union. (Divison of Student Affairs) Key Points FSU Family Weekend...
Adeyinka Adedipe The Gbolekero Women Empowerment and Development Organisation, with support from the Global Greengrants Fund, has trained 60 women...
Following recent flash flooding, Caritas Nepal is ramping up its aid to be able to reach up to 4,000 families....
By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief ABUJA — The Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Olusegun Omosehin, has warned insurance companies to...
– Advertisement – Zigwai Fanda is the founder of Climate Change and Circular Economy (CCCE) Africa, a non-governmental organisation established to...
By Lilian Okoro As public health leaders, policymakers, researchers, and advocates prepare to gather in Cape Town for the 18th...
Bishop Pierre-André Dumas of Anse-à-Veau-Miragoâne, expresses his concern for Haitian immigrants in the US, following the termination of Temporary Protected...
The post Florida State Professor’s Intellectual and Personal Journey for Answers Fuels his Research on Suicide appeared first on Florida...
Johnson Idowu The Head of the Department of Microbiology, University of Lagos, Prof Olayide Obidi, has unveiled bio-based coating solutions...
Afrobeats star, Davido, has continued to face backslash for attacking rapper Erigga over remarks about family’s wealth. DAILY POST reports...
By Franca Ofili Prof. Palokinam Pitche has assumed office as Director-General of the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), the Economic...
“The heart of the seminary experience” is “learning to be with the Master, Jesus,” Pope Leo XIV tells Italian seminarians...
Ayoola Babalola The Lagos State Government has unveiled a three-year strategic plan to close persistent gaps in HIV prevention, testing...
Disney star, Carla Jeffery has died at the age of 33. This was disclosed in a statement shared on her...
By Kazeem Akande The Rotary Club of Lagos Royale on Wednesday sensitised Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and Faith-Based Birth Attendants...
As he meets with Latin-rite Bishops from Arab regions, Pope Leo XIV urges the Church to confront conflict and division...
– Advertisement – Africa’s widening energy investment gap presents one of the continent’s biggest opportunities for global investors, with the...
