Pressure now on journalists as Jonathan signs FoI Bill

 

After almost twelve years of a relentless campaign, spanning three presidential terms, President Goodluck Jonathan on the last day to his inauguration as president, signed the Freedom of Information Bill (FoI) which is expected to pave the way for journalists in the country to truly act as the serious watchdog of government, its functionaries and its activities.

The passage of the bill, interestingly, is seen as turning the table against journalists, especially on the need for them to carry out their constitutional responsibility without hindrance, fear or favour.

Journalists will be particularly tasked to embark on serious investigative reporting of the public sector, and demand for scrutiny and accountability by elected or appointed public functionaries.

Reacting, the Nigerian Guild of Editors said by signing the FoI bill into law, the president has, more than anyone else, empowered the citizens to participate in the governance of their own affairs.

"The people can now legitimately seek public information, corroborate their facts and make useful suggestions towards achieving greater good for the majority. With access to information, citizens can fight corruption in government places and confront those who misappropriate our resources to themselves."

For the media, the Guild in a statement signed by its president, Gbenga Adefaye stated that, "The signing of the FoI law has expanded the frontiers of press freedom for Africa's most vibrant press. No more will it be permitted for journalists to hurry to press with half truth and misinformation when they can officially verify their facts."

Earlier, while passing the bill, the Senate President, David Mark had expressed fears about the abuse of the bill by the media, but said, "The assurance that we the ordinary citizens would like to get from those of you who control our lives now is that the media should be responsible enough in operating and using the bill or using any aspect of the bill."

The NGE meanwhile, congratulated every Nigerian for what it called, "This all important citizens' law," and commended "The out-going National Assembly for freeing the democratic space for citizens' involvement in our democratic adventure."

The editors' body stressed: "We call on everyone to use the law, responsibly."

It recalled that President Jonathan had, during the last presidential debate, made a public commitment to sign the FoI bill into law once presented to him by the National Assembly, as a personal commitment to openness, transparency, accountability and good governance.

The Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigerian (NPAN) had also observed that the endorsement of the bill will demonstrate government's resolve to fight corruption and recklessness in the country.

"The passing of the FoI bill by the Senate represents a major milestone for democracy and democratic practices," the association stated.

Notable media practitioners who commended President Goodluck Jonathan for assenting to the bill which had dragged on since the past 10 years believe Nigerian journalists will live up to their responsibility. They however cautioned media practitioners to show maturity under the new law.

Patrick Nwakogo, publisher of Exceed Magazine enjoined journalists to demonstrate maturity in their handling of sensitive information, especially from the standpoint of the larger security implications for the country. "It is part of their reasonable service to the nation."

Adedayo Ojo, a former lecturer of journalism was optimistic on the ability of the Nigerian media to handle the law discretionally. According to him, this is based on the understanding of the responsibility of the three tiers of government and the media to nation building.

With checks from the bill, John Ehiguese of Mediacraft said the media practitioners will likely display professionalism and avoid falling foul of the law.

Charles Igbinidu, managing director of TPT International, a PR firm, also applauded passage of the bill, says it is a positive development for democracy. "The journey was tortuous but the goal has been achieved. This is indeed one of the beauties of democracy. We all must therefore work to sustain democracy."

On his part, Bolaji Okusaga, managing director of The Quadrant Company, another PR firm, said the passage of the FOI bill represents a major milestone for democracy and democratic practices "because for democracy to thrive, one must have an open and accountable system."