CSO, Journalists Task Cross River State On Accountability, Transparency

Eme Offiong, Calabar

A coalition of journalists and Civil Society Organisations has identified the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) as a panacea for accountable governance.

The coalition, sponsored by an organisation known as the Connected Development (CODE) with the collaboration of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), is seeking the domestication of the FOI Act in Cross River State, southern Nigeria.

To achieve its aim, a one-day training workshop was held at Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre for members of Civil Society Organisations and journalists on the effective utilisation of the Act.

In separate remarks, the Chairperson of the Cross River State council of the NUJ, Mrs. Archibong Bassey encourage journalists, especially during investigations and data presentation, to utilise the Act for accuracy, credibility and facts.

The State’s Support Officer of CODE, Mr. Effanga Etim noted that “with the domestication of the FOIA, the people would be adequately informed to hold government at all levels accountable, seeking transparency.”

A lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, University of Calabar, Dr. Judex Okoro, who delivered a lecture on the topic “FOI Act As A Tool For Media and Advocacy Practitioners”, stated that “journalists and Civil societies could leverage on the Freedom of Information Act for Advocacy.”

Dr. Okoro, who is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Beagle News, urged the media and advocacy groups to collaborate through the use of targeted programmes to promote the Act As a tool for building public trust, inclusive governance, which will inturn enhance accountability and transparency.

He said; “The FOIA will promote data-driven storytelling, in order words it will enable the journalist provide valuable data for reporting. As an advocacy tool, the FOIA will give a clearer picture of government policies and actions.

“It provides evidence, facts and figures that could be used for campaigns; increases transparency, raising public awareness and informs legal challenges,”

Dr Okoro recommended that journalists and civil societies collaborate with experts, document requests and responses as well as use FOI data responsibly, protect sources and educate the public on FOI benefits.

He further stated, “by leveraging the FOIA, media and advocacy groups can promote transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making, driving positive change and strengthening democratic institutions.”

Similarly, the Executive Director of the Budget Transparency and Accountability Network, Mr. Kingsley Eworo emphasized the need for media and advocacy groups to identify key stakeholders necessary for the successful implementation of the FOIA in Cross River State.

Mercy Chukwudiebere