FOI bill still alive - Reps - As committees commence further action tomorrow

Bola Badmus, Abuja - 30.06.2009

THE House of Representatives, on Monday, said the Freedom of Information (FOI) was not dead and had resolved to recommence legislative work on the controversial bill tomorrow.

Chairman, Rules and Business Committee, Honourable Ita Enang, said this in a chat with the Nigerian Tribune, saying a motion would be presented on the floor of the chamber tomorrow to re- introduce the said bill.

Enang’s disclosure came just as a member, Honourable Chuka Ama Mwauwa, urged his colleagues to consult with veterans in the journalism profession, among others, with a view to obtaining views and input to the bill.

Honourable Enang said the said motion was not aimed at making members passed the bill outright, but to enable the House to rescind its earlier decision, which resulted in throwing out the bill.

According to him, the motion slated for tomorrow’s plenary session was to urge the House, with the permission of members, to resolve to forward the controversial bill to Committee on Information and any other relevant committee the House might deem fit for further consideration.