Media practitioners in Delta State have risen from
two-day workshop with a call for the
implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act at all levels to ensure
transparency and accountability in the public service.
The workshop which was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with Delta state government with the theme ‘ Social Accountability and Good Citizenry’ ended with a communiqué signed by Austin Ogwuda of Vanguard Newspapers, Frankwhite Osabohein of Delta Broadcasting Service and Ebere Obiakor of Africa Independent Television (AIT).
The communiqué which was sighted by DigitalSENSE Business News urged public office holders to release information of public interest, especially those relating to the activities, programmes and development projects of government to the media.
“The media practitioners should to be alive to their
responsibilities by not compromising their constitutional mandate as the
“watchdog’’ of the society. There is the need for the enactment of laws that
would compel public office holders at all levels to be accountable to the
electorates through periodic presentation of their score cards. Such account of
stewardship should be subjected to public scrutiny. Stakeholders involved in
the public procurement process and enforcement of the Fiscal Responsibility
laws should insist on best practises.
“Stakeholders involved in the public procurement process
and enforcement of the Fiscal Responsibility laws should insist on best
practise. Nigerians should start taking
their destiny in their hands by monitoring government projects which are in
their domain. Lawmakers at the National and State Assemblies to take
professionalism into consideration when carrying out their oversight functions,
’’ the communiqué stated.
AN/EDop
.DigitalSENSE Business News
.. Making SENSE of digital revolution!
Pix: Gov Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State
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