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International Day Of Access to Information:CITAD condemns hoarding by MDA’S

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6 years ago

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The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), a National nongovernmental organization using ICT for development and information sharing to promote transparency and accountability in public and private sector, promote peace and mitigate conflict, foster good governance and societal wellbeing is joining millions of people over the world in celebrating the 2020 International Day for Universal Access to Information with the theme “In times of crisis, constitutional, statutory and/or policy guarantees for public access to information save lives, build trust and help develop sustainable policies”.

In a statement by Ibrahim Nuhu Acting Programmes Coordinator of the centre said each year the World Access to Information day is observed around the world on 28 September.

International  Day Of Peace: CITAD calls for Use of Technology to enhance Peace

The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to compliance of the release of information, as a critical tool for accountability and transparency which are the ingredients for every growth and development.

According to Ibrahim Nuhu the Freedom of Information Act was a product of collaboration between citizens, organised civic actors and government.

It was passed by both chambers of the 6th National Assembly on 24th May 2011 and assented by the then President on 28th May, 2011.

The underlying philosophy of the Act is that public servants are custodians of a public trust on behalf of a population who have a right to know what they do.

In particular, the FOI Act promises to remove the aura of mystery and exclusion with which public servants cloak the ordinary operations of government and public institutions.

It also seeks to change the manner in which public records and information are managed.

The Act builds on an assumption of openness, by placing on those who wish to keep public information away from the people, the onus of justifying why they have to do so.

If fully implemented, the FOI Act will transform quite fundamentally the way in which government conducts business and the perception of the people towards the government.

 

The Freedom of Information Act has two main objectives, namely
Promote accountability
Enable citizens participation in decision making
Both of these cannot be achieved without information.

In particular, decision making is based on having the right information to make an informed contribution to debate. It is important to remember that accountability is at the root of modern representative democracy.

Because of scale and complexity of issues, we cannot all directly take part in decision making and therefore have to surrender this right to our representatives who in turn must render accountability in return.

 

The three dimensions of Accountability; Representation, Resource management and Information flow require exchange of information between the governments and givers of mandate.

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In particular, lack of information makes it difficult to assess the extent to which governments manage resources and determine what the benefits of the people are.

It is this opacity of information that creates the condition for corruption to strive. Information flow is thus a critical condition for transparency and for curtailing corruption in governance.

In accordance with FOI, Public and Private Institutions have the responsibilities to
Capture records and keep information about all its activities, operations and businesses
Keep records by proper organization and maintenance of all information in its custody, and make it available by publishing or otherwise make this information to the public In Nigeria, often government officials are reluctant to provide even the most elementary information at their disposal.

It is very disheartening seeing the behaviour and attitudes of government officials when it comes to prior disclosure and even with the written request of information at their disposal by the citizens. These make it difficult in bringing sanity to the governments’ expenditures when tracking and accountability as well as transparency in governance.

The refusal of the prompt disclosure and request of the information by the government officials is a clear violation of the FOI Act and denial of growth and development.

 

To this end, CITAD strongly condemn the lack of respect of the law and FOI Act by the MDAs.

CITAD has been tracking various projects at national and state levels using the FOI requesting relevant information for the tracking but unfortunately some of the MDAs concerned are refusing us access.

As part of our effort in tracking government uncompleted projects, youth are involved and given prizes by reporting any uncompleted project in their communities, and we ensure publication of such and reporting it to the relevant authorities for action. Here are our recommendations:

All MDAs should secure and update their websites and ensure functionality at all times
Proactive Disclosure of real and relevant information or records must be made available always

Total compliance to the citizens requests must be emphasized by the authorities and legal sector should facilitate the sanctions and punishment in case of failure .

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) should plan to create pressure on the agency in case it fails to provide the information within the stipulated time and prepare to share the request with media organizations, other groups who may have interest in the information and relevant communities who are affected by what the information tells.

 

This is important because failure to provide the information means you can challenge that in a court of law.

 

Adopting a comprehensive FOI Act is a major step towards entrenching an open government, one in which Nigerians can have an active voice in the process of governance and policy decisions. This can only happen with full and effective implementation of the law. The success of the Freedom of Information Act is dependent on a partnership between the government, the media, civil society and the private sector.

The general populace would need to be less resistance to openness as continued resistance would severely impede the effectiveness of the law. Opening up government would greatly enhance the lives of Nigerians and can only bring about positive changes. Transparency in government would streamline government processes, improve bureaucratic efficiency, reduce corruption and support economic growth and foreign investments.

So, we are using this day to call on government officials, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), individuals, Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to partner one another in ensuring ease flow of information for progress, growth and development.

 

CITAD wants to end this statement by enjoining people of Nigeria to be tracking all government projects and report any deviation to the authority concern so that we strengthen access to health, education and justice, and can contribute towards reduced inequalities.

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Governor Yusuf Apppoints Ibrahim Adam Special Adviser On Social Media, Other Advisers

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8 hours ago

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June 11, 2026

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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the appointment of new Special Advisers and the reassignment of several serving advisers as part of a strategic restructuring aimed at strengthening governance and enhancing service delivery across Kano State.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Thursday.

As part of the exercise, Governor Yusuf approved the scrapping of the offices of Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs and Special Adviser on Liaison Offices (Abuja), with affected officials reassigned to other responsibilities.

By this announcement, Habiba Mustapha Barwa, who previously served as Special Adviser on Domestic Affairs at the Government House, has been reassigned as Special Adviser, Special Duties (Women), while Hon. Umar Uba Akawu, former Special Adviser on Liaison Offices, has been redeployed as Special Adviser, Cabinet Office (Political).

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Also reassigned are Akibu Isa Murtala, former Special Adviser (Administration), Governor’s Office, now Special Adviser, Human Resource; Ibrahim Adam, former Special Adviser on Information, now Special Adviser on Social Media; and Nasiru Isa Dikko, former Special Adviser on NGOs, now Special Adviser on Empowerment.

The governor also approved the appointment of Bello Nuhu Bello as Special Adviser, Administration, Governor’s Office; Bello was SSA Administration to the Governor.

Hon. Ahmed Muhammad Aruwa who is the immediate past State Publicity Secretary of the APC is appointed as Special Adviser on Publicity, Hon. Buhari Sule Kura as Special Adviser, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs); and Hon. Yahuza Ado Yankaba as Special Adviser on Motor Parks who was promoted from SSA on the same area.

Other newly appointed Special Advisers are Hon. Ahmed Tijjani Musa, Hon. Ibrahim Hamisu Rimi, Mustapha Abdullahi Rabiu Kura, Engr. Bashir Abdullahi Kutama, Hon. Naziru Abdullahi Karaye and Hon. Tahir Ado Rabiu.

Governor Yusuf said the restructuring is designed to optimize administrative efficiency and align government institutions with the priorities of his administration.

He congratulated the appointees and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them through commitment, loyalty and dedication to service.

The governor further reminded them that public office is a trust that must be deployed for the advancement of Kano State and the wellbeing of its citizens.

Those appointees whose portfolios are scrapped by this statement shall report to the Secretary to the State Government for further briefing while the portfolios of other new appointees will be announced on arrival of His Excellency back to the country.

 

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Sardauna Of Yamaltu Donates 1 Million Naira To Victims Of Windstorm

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9 hours ago

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June 11, 2026

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This morning, the Secretary of the Gombe State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Sa’ad Hassan Sardauna Yamaltu, who is also the Sarkin Yakin Zambuk, paid a sympathy visit to the people of Zambuk following the recent windstorm disaster that affected the community.

The Sarkin Yakin Zambuk was accompanied by a strong delegation that included Prof. Safiyanu Ishaku (Masoron Yamaltu), Hon. Habu Ali Soja (Dan Rimin Yamaltu), Hon. Muhammad Jauro, and other associates. During the visit, they expressed their condolences and solidarity with the affected residents.

Speaking during the visit, Sardauna Yamaltu said:
“I was deeply saddened when I received the news of this disaster. I have come to sympathize with the affected people and the entire people of zambuk and to support them.

Therefore, I am donating the sum of ₦1 million to assist those who were affected by this unfortunate incident.”

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He also called on relevant authorities to urgently provide relief and support to the victims, considering the current economic challenges and the fact that the rainy season has just begun.

In separate remarks, the Secretary of the Zambuk Development Association Zapa, community leaders, affected residents, whose properties were damaged expressed their gratitude to the Sarkin Yakin Zambuk for his generous support.

They prayed for Allah’s continued protection, good health, and prosperity for him.

In his address, the District Head of Zambuk, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman, commended and praised Alhaji Sa’ad Hassan for the humanitarian gesture. He also advised that a proper verification process should be put in place to identify the genuine victims of the disaster and ensure that assistance reaches those who truly need it.

The District Head further commended the efforts of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the Member representing Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Inuwa Garba (Zannan Yamaltu), the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Luggerewo, the Chairman of the House Committee on Relief and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Gebriel Galadima, the Member representing Yamaltu West State Constituency, Hon. Musa Manaja Zambuk, and Hon. Kabiru Muhammad Kuri for their assessment visit to the affected area yesterday.

He concluded by expressing hope that the government would provide urgent assistance to the victims and help them recover from the disaster as quickly as possible.

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JUST IN: FG Declares June 12 Public Holiday to Mark Democracy Day

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10 hours ago

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June 11, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 12, 2026, a public holiday in commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on Thursday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani.

He said the annual observance of June 12 remains a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, paying tribute to the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Nigerians who fought for the entrenchment of democratic governance in the country.

“June 12 remains a significant day in Nigeria’s history in honour of the courage, resilience and sacrifices of Nigerians whose efforts made democratic governance possible in this country. Their legacy continues to inform the values and responsibilities of the Nigerian state,” he said.

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Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding democratic principles, including the rule of law, transparency, accountability and inclusive governance.

He noted that the administration remains dedicated to protecting and strengthening democratic institutions in line with its constitutional responsibilities.

The minister also assured Nigerians that the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, would continue to strengthen internal security measures to safeguard lives and property across the country.

He stressed that a secure and peaceful environment is critical to sustaining democracy and promoting national development.

Calling on Nigerians to use the occasion for reflection, Tunji-Ojo urged citizens to recommit themselves to national unity, civic responsibility and respect for the law.

“As we mark this historic day, every Nigerian is encouraged to remain law-abiding, uphold the institutions that sustain our democracy, and remember that the strength of any democracy lies ultimately in the character of its citizens,” he said.

He further encouraged Nigerians to reflect on the nation’s democratic journey and contribute positively to efforts aimed at deepening democratic governance and fostering national cohesion.

Democracy Day is observed annually on June 12 in honour of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history.

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