Edo Govt Seeks Passage Of FOI Bill

Edo Government said on Tuesday that the non passage of the Freedom of Information Bill should not be a hindrance to the enthronement of good governance in the country.

Gov.  Adams Oshiomhole stated this in Benin while addressing journalists who visited the Government House as part of activities to mark this year’s journalist’s week.

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Pally Iriase, noted that some government officials hide under the banner of non disclosure of official information to corruptly enrich themselves.

He wondered why it was taking the National Assembly such a long time to pass the bill.

“It is surprising that the National Assembly has found it difficult to pass the bill. Its passage would have kept everyone on their toes as there would be no hiding place for anyone who is involved in corrupt practices,” he said.  Also speaking on the bill, the Speaker, Edo House of Assembly, Mr Bright Omokhodion, who condemned the killing of journalists, noted that passage of the bill would have given journalists some level of protection.

He said the state House of Assembly would domesticate the bill when passed by the National Assembly.

Omokhodion, who stressed the need for media men to be paid a living wage, noted that without journalists, there would have been anarchy in the society.

“We should appreciate the role of journalists in the society. Imagine a society without television, newspapers or any source of information for that matter, it would have been darkness.

“They have brought light into the society and they should be adequately paid,” the lawmaker said.