Speaker Tasks NUJ On FOI Act

The Speaker of the Rivers State House Assembly, Rt Hon Otelemaba Dan Amachree, has called on the Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ) to ensure adequate sensitisation of Nigerians on the importance of the freedom of Information Act on the advancement of  democracy.

The Speaker gave the charge during a courtesy call on him in his office by the National Executive of the Nigeria Union of Journalists who were in the state for the National Executive Council meeting in Port Harcourt last week.

The Speaker thanked the National Executive of the union for the courtesy call and the choice of the Assembly Auditorium as venue of the meeting.

He pointed out that “the beauty of Democracy was liberty and freedom of expression” and added that only proper sensitization of Nigerians will promote the domestication of the law and ensure good governance in Nigeria.

Rt Hon Amachree also urged the NUJ to task the National Assembly to ensure that aspects of the law that are repugnant to natural justice are expunged, through a review and amendment of the act.

In his remark the National president of the Nigerian Union of journalists, NUJ, Comrade Garba Mohammed, said the visit was in appreciation of the relationship of the media as the fourth estate of the Realm, with the various arms of government.

The NUJ National president commended the cordial relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State, which he noted has led to economic development in the state.

He however expressed concern over the funding of media Houses, especially state owned media, which he said was grossly inadequate and affects their effective performance of  their constitutional responsibilities.

The NUJ National president also decried the deplorable state of federal roads which had led to loss of lives in the state.

He called on the federal government to fix the roads to avert carnages and anguish and also assured that the NUJ would not rest on its oars in performing its civic responsibilities as the guardian of the collective will of the people.

Taneh Beemene