Workshop Makes Case For the Physically Challenged in FOI Advocacy

Participants at a grassroots workshop in Benin City, Edo State, have stressed the need for special measures to be taken to properly inform physically challenged Nigerians about the contents of the proposed Freedom of Information Law and how they can benefit from it.

They observed that a large number of Nigerians were suffering from physical disabilities and that it will be necessary to find effective means of bringing the existence of the law to their notice when the Freedom of Information Bill, which is presently before the National Assembly, is passed.

The participants therefore suggested the use of alternate media, including Braille, large prints, interpretations and sign language, which they argued would enable such Nigerians understand the law and its purpose and thereby make better use of it.

The forum, the second in the series of workshops aimed at bringing the content of the Bill to the average Nigerian, was organized by the Media Rights Agenda (MRA), in collaboration with Environmental Rights Action (ERA), with support from the European Union (EU).

According to participants, a factor that will be critical to the successful implementation of the proposed Law would be how many Nigerians from all works of life are able use it.

The participants also recognized traditional rulers and leaders of religious organizations as key players in the society who should be involved in the advocacy for the enactment of the Bill into law in view of their influence on their subjects and citizens generally.

Speaking at the opening, the coordinator of the workshop and MRA’s Campaign Director, Mr. Tive Denedo, said the proposed Law would enable Nigeria conduct a correct assessment of her natural bio-diversity, have a true account of her environmental processes and provide a detailed status of the wealth of her ecosystem.

In his contribution, the Executive Director of Environmental Rights Action, Mr. Nnimmo Bassey, described the bill as a mark of progress for Nigeria adding that it would build a solid structure for the country’s future.

Participants called for a quick passage of the bill into law, noting that it would also enhance the efficiency and competence of the nation’s civil service.

They expressed disappointment over the failure of the Senate to pass the Bill during the last hearing on December 20, 2005, saying they had anticipated being part of the historic moment of discussing the Bill after it was just passed by the Upper House of the National Assembly.

They however commended the National Assembly for giving due attention to the Bill after the initial apathy of the first Legislature and specifically praised the Senate for its uncommon interest in the Bill and raising it to the level of a final and third reading within the space of one year.

The participants urged the Senators not to be distracted by any negative campaign to stall the Bill but to show a sense of purpose and write their names in the history book of Nigeria as those responsible for providing a tool for the re-engineering of the country by passing the Bill.  

Although they also expressed fears over the current trends of impunity and disregard for the rule of law by various government functionaries, they observed that the proposed law would generate a high level of awareness about democratic values.  They expressed confidence that civil society can overcome any opposition to the bill by certain public functionaries by upholding the principles of democracy in whatever space they occupy in the country.

The workshop drew participants from organizations such as the Edo Youth Forum, the Niger Delta Students for Resource Control, Benin Future, Edo Students Union, the Committee on Vital Environmental Resources,  Igue Youth Association,  and media organizations in Edo State.