Says FOI Act empowers individuals, CSOs, and journalists to access information
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has strongly criticized recent calls by a group identified as the Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) for security agencies to “checkmate” civil society organizations (CSOs) allegedly misusing the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to blackmail and extort government officials.
In a statement issued on Thursday, MRA described the SNM’s request as a direct attack on one of Nigeria’s most critical tools for fostering transparency, accountability, and democratic governance.
SNM’s Controversial Claims
The SNM, in a statement co-signed by Rev. Solomon Semaka and Dr. Richard Oduma, identified themselves as co-conveners of a Task Force on Illegal CSOs. They called on the Inspector-General of Police and intelligence agencies to monitor and clamp down on groups allegedly using the FOI Act to extort government officials.
MRA’s Reaction
MRA Communications Officer, Mr. Idowu Adewale, dismissed the SNM’s allegations as an attempt to undermine the FOI Act. He described the signatories as likely proxies for security agencies and antagonistic to non-governmental organizations.
“The FOI Act empowers citizens, civil society organizations, and journalists to access information held by public institutions, exposing corruption and improving governance,” Adewale said.
He emphasized that access to information is a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information across all media and borders.
Global Recognition of FOI Principles
Adewale highlighted data from UNESCO indicating that 138 UN member states have adopted public access-to-information guarantees. “The FOI Act is globally recognized as a mechanism for holding governments accountable. Attempts to suppress its use threaten democracy and the fight against corruption,” he added.
SNM’s Allegations Rejected
MRA condemned the SNM’s claims of CSOs engaging in extortion as a ploy to shield public officials from legitimate scrutiny. Adewale argued that public officials are custodians of public resources and must remain open to oversight.
“By weaponizing claims of blackmail and extortion to stifle legitimate inquiries, SNM has proven to be the true enemy of transparency,” Adewale stated.
The FOI Act: A Shield for Democracy
MRA underscored that the FOI Act is essential for democracy and governance. “Efforts to weaken or undermine the Act must be resisted by all who value Nigeria’s democracy,” Adewale said, urging authorities to address any misuse of the FOI Act within the boundaries of the law rather than resorting to intimidation or harassment.
MRA reaffirmed its commitment to defending citizens’ rights to access information and ensuring accountability in governance.
