Open letter to Kwara speaker on domestication of FOI act

BY OLASUPO ABIDEEN

It is with a heavy heart that I write to you this open letter. It is troubling that the core principle of democracy upon which your administration stands is being threatened because of the indifference of the assembly under your leadership to take a worthy position regarding the domestication of the freedom of information act in Kwara state.

The freedom of information act is one of the best things to ever happen to Nigeria’s democratic journey since the return to civil rule in 1999. Signed into law by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011, the act seeks to ensure seamless access to information, records and documents held by government bodies and private bodies carrying out public functions. It is with this faith that the 8th assembly led by Dr Ali Ahmad heartily welcomed the bill, passing it through spirited arguments before the end of its tenure.

Transparency and accountability are critical for the efficient functioning of government, and for fostering social well-being. Since the issue is of great concern to enthroning an atmosphere brimming with the basic principles of democracy, it is of great concern to us that an administration which prides itself as a government for all will deny its citizens the power to hold it accountable.

Your inaction will set a worrisome precedent because the foundation of our core existence as Kwarans is fast eroding as you continue to sit on the fence on issues of public interest. Kwarans need to know your position on why the FOI bill is being delayed by the state government.

We are very much worried and afraid that the 9th Assembly which you chaired is smothering our democracy by flagrantly disobeying court orders which rules that Jimoh Agboola, lawmaker-elect, Ilorin South, should be sworn in as a member representing his constituency, almost a year ago. Your blatant refusal to implement the ruling is denying the people of his constituency fair and equal representation in the house.

Should we conclude that your outright disobedience of the ruling of the highest court in the land – the supreme court – is partisan? From all indications, Mr Agboola, if inaugurated, will be the only opposition member in the 24-member house of Assembly. Does party affiliation now override the will of the people of Ilorin South? This is appalling as Mr Azeez Elewu continues to parade himself in the house while your honourable condone the impunity. These are questions your honourable needs to provide answer to, for Kwarans.

May I remind Your Honorable that as one of the beneficiaries of the not too young to run, which adjusted Nigeria’s 1999 constitution and reduced the minimum age for presidential candidates from 40 to 35, and state governors and senators from 35 to 30, while the age limit for the state assembly to 25, that your actions are not different from the gerontocrats we battled before the adoption of the not-too-young-to-rule bill.

You were elected not to bootlick any person in government, but to raise the aspiration of the younger generation. To avoid being on the bad book of history, this is a clarion call to reflect and retrace your steps. For the sake of Kwarans, I pray that God grant you the wisdom and courage to do what is right, without fear or favour.

Abideen is the executive director, Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative.