Buhari lauds National Assembly on information bill

From Nkechi Onyedika, Abuja

The Guardian, Monday, November 20, 2006

FORMER Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has commended the National Assembly for the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill (FIB).

According to him, the bill is a welcome development, noting that when it becomes law, it would reconnect citizens who have been disconnected from government. "It will strengthen the social contract between the leaders and the led, a contract which crass corruption has breached".

In a statement at the weekend in Abuja, Buhari who described the bill as a bed-rock of liberal democracy, noted that freedom of information would enhance democracy and consolidate transparency.

Buhari said that the law would energise the vibrant Nigerian media in executing its mandate of informing and educating the citizenry.

He called on the National Assembly to as a matter of urgent national importance, pass other bills that are germane to strengthening genuine democracy like the Fiscal Responsibility and Extractive Industries Bills.