Anti Corruption: Group Tasks Citizens On The Use of FOI Act.

Benin City - In commemoration of 2018 International Anti Corruption Day, a group, Action for Socio-Political and Economic Change (ASEC) over the weekend in Benin city held a one Day capacity building for activists and journalists on the use of Freedom Of Information Act.

The workshop with the theme: "Freedom Of Information Act: Citizens Potent Tool For Public Accountability and Transparency" was used to renew citizens commitment to the fight against corruption in the country, and also to equip participants with the legal tool in making requests into government records.

According to the group's Coordinator, Leftist Osazee Edigin: "The period where governance was left in the hands of a few to run in any manner that suits them is over;

"we are all critical stakeholders and have roles to play in the process of financial management, general information and probity of our commonwealth."

The facilitator of the workshop, Barrister President Aigbokhan explained that the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act in 2011 empowered citizens to demand accountability from those in authority.

Barrister Aigbokhan, an FOI Act Expert sued for synergy between civil society groups and the media, adding it would expose and serve as checks to corrupt minded individuals in the society.

Also, the Edo State Commissioner, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Olukile Olusesan called on Nigerians to eschew all forms of corrupt practices and be change agents.

The Edo ICPC Boss, represented by Mr Tunji Preye emphasized the need for citizens to be up to date with the ICPC Act, in order to be guided "on what constitutes corruption and corrupt practices."

According to the United Nations (UN) $1 trillion is paid in bribes every year while an estimated $2.6 trillion are stolen annually through corruption – a sum equivalent to more than 5 per cent of the global GDP.

The International Anti Corruption Day is observed every December 9.


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