MRA condemns calls on police, security agencies to restrict use of FOI Act by CSOs
The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has strongly criticised recent demands by the so-called Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) for security agencies to curtail the use of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act by civil society organisations (CSOs).
The MRA described the calls as a direct attack on transparency, accountability, and democratic principles.
In a statement issued today, November 29, 2024, the SNM, led by Rev Solomon Semaka and Dr Richard Oduma, urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and intelligence agencies to investigate alleged abuses of the FOI Act by certain groups accused of extorting government officials.
Reacting to the statement, Idowu Adewale, MRA’s Communications Officer, called it a veiled attempt to stifle public scrutiny of government activities.
“The FOI Act is a global standard for ensuring transparency in governance. Attempts to portray its use as blackmail are nothing short of undermining the fight against corruption,” he said.
READ ALSO: Court jails police, immigration officers for N1.6m employment fraud
Adewale noted that the FOI Act empowers citizens, journalists, and organisations to demand accountability from public officials and institutions.
He highlighted Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms freedom of expression, including the right to access information.
Citing data from UNESCO, Adewale added: “Globally, 138 UN member states uphold public access to information as a fundamental right. Efforts to suppress the FOI Act in Nigeria are counterproductive and a threat to democratic values.”
The MRA dismissed SNM’s allegations as baseless, arguing that the group’s limited credibility and antagonistic stance towards CSOs reflect ulterior motives.
Adewale called on Nigerians to reject any attempt to weaken the FOI Act, stating, “Public officials must remain open to scrutiny. Misuse of the FOI Act should be addressed legally, not through intimidation or suppression.”
He concluded, “The FOI Act is a shield for democracy, not a weapon. Any effort to weaken it undermines Nigeria’s governance and should be firmly resisted by all citizens.”
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va74ZvU2v1IqKByXoX3d
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
 has strongly criticised){kind=link}