The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has urged the state House of Assembly to ensure the domestication of Freedom of Information Act in the state.
The Chairman, Comrade Amos Etuk, made the appeal on Thursday when he led members of the State Working Committee of the union on a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Udeme Otong.
He said the domestication of the FoI Act in the state would help journalists access information with ease and would make public office holders accountable to the people.
Regretting that only 16 states in the federation have domesticated the FoI Act, the NUJ chairman encouraged other state governments to follow suit, noting that domestication of FOI Act would help the government ensure good governance for the people.
According to her, “One critical factor remains, and that is the domestication of the Freedom of Information Act. It is our appeal that, under your leadership, make this history by domesticating the Freedom of Information Act.
“So that the media can hold government accountable, and even in the process, enable the House of Assembly to undertake very strong oversight functions based on the agenda from the media.”
Etuk assured the speaker and Akwa Ibom people that the media community in the state would continue to work as strategic partner by reporting the government and its activities to enhance good governance and ensure dividends of democracy get to the people.
In his response, the speaker, Otong, assured that the 8th Assembly under his leadership would maintain a cordial working relationship with the media community in the state.
Otong reiterated the commitment of the assembly to improve the welfare of members of the assembly press corps through regular training and provision of necessary working tools to enhance their performance.
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