AD advises NASS on passage of FOI bill

AD advises NASS on passage of FOI bill
• Sunday, Jun 15, 2008

Alliance for Democracy (AD) has called on the National Assembly (NASS) to reconsider its stand and pass the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill.

Mr Rafiu Salau, the National Publicity Secretary of the party told newsmen in Kaduna that the bill would strengthen the country's democracy.

Salau advised members of NASS not to regard the proposed law as an "instrument for blackmailing public office holders".

"FOI law will make our democracy successful. It will put our democracy in a position of respect and to make it complete," he said.

According to him, the bill will ensure transparency and accountability, install good governance and give the people total control of democracy.

The party added that the law would also facilitate and support the crusade for due process, rule of law and anti-graft.

"In fact, the war against corruption can be successful only if the House enacts law meant for blocking the loopholes that encourage corruption," he said.

"The House will help EFCC and ICPC in fighting corruption, if the FOI bill is passed into law."

"With FOI, the people will be closer to governance and will have facts to determine credible candidates."

The committee of whole House of Representatives stood down the bill the third time last week.

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