Centre for Transparency Advocacy Holds Town Hall Meeting On Freedom Of Information Act In Awka

To bridge the gap on awareness of the Freedom of Information Act and its application, the Centre for Transparency Advocacy, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice, European Union, International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance has held a town hall meeting in Awka with stakeholders from the media, ministries, departments and agencies of the Anambra State Government over the law.

 

In her remark, the Executive Director, Centre for Transparency Advocacy, Engineer Faith Nwadishi, explained that though the law exists to fight corruption, there is lack of awareness and application of it in getting information from government by the citizenry, especially by women and youths, in ensuring that the right things are done with government resources.

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, represented by Barrister Godwin Garuba noted that the law has limitations, especially on classified information relating to Defense, International Relations, security and personal information, saying that the law should be applied in good faith for the greater good of the country.

In a keynote address, the Anambra State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, represented by Barrister Ngozi Iwuno said the law passed in 2011 empowers the citizenry to access records, documents and information from both government and private organizations, enabling participation in governance to ensure transparency.