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MRA Calls for Enactment of Access to Official
Information Act
The Media Rights Agenda [MRA] regards, with utmost
consternation, the unfolding revelations in the on-going controversy
between the Minister of Finance, Chief Anthony Ani and his Petroleum
Resources counterpart, Chief Dane Etete in the context of the prevailing
energy crisis that has paralyzed commercial and social activity in Nigeria
in the course of the last few months.
The MRA considers that the present crisis is a necessary
consequence of the veil of secrecy, lack of transparency and lack of
accountability behind which governmental affairs are conducted in
Nigeria. The MRA is particularly troubled by;
i] the revelation that N241.8 billion has been
spent by the Federal Government between 1994 and 1997 on energy related
capital projects while the country’s downstream energy sector [and in
particular the petroleum refining and distribution process] is in a
present state of chaos and virtual collapse;
ii] the revelation that the Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation [NNPC], the statutory corporation under the Minister
of Petroleum Resources which is responsible for the refining and
distribution of petroleum resources, does not account for its collectibles
and expenditures, and has not had its accounts audited in recent times;
iii] the failure of the Presidency to comment on
and take any steps with regard to the clear allegations of mismanagement
and lack of accountability made against the Ministry of Petroleum
Resources and the NNPC by the Minister of finance.
The MRA is convinced that the prevailing situation has
demonstrated the inability of a military government to hold public
institutions to principles of openness and probity, and justifies the
demand by the Human Rights and Pro-Democracy forces for an immediate
return to democratic governance, transparency and accountability. The MRA
therefore demands:
1. The immediate cessation of military rule in the
Federal Republic of Nigeria and the formation of a Government of National
Unity to be headed by the winner of the June 12 1993 elections, Chief
M.K.O, Abiola;
2. A public judicial inquiry into the affairs of
the NNPC, including the serious allegations made by the Finance Minister;
3. The immediate abrogation of all legislative
provisions and administrative practices which foster secrecy and lack of
transparency in the administration of public institutions, such as the
Official Secrets Act and the subscription to oaths of secrecy by
public servants, and the immediate enactment of an
access to Official Information Act.
For further information, please contact:
Edetaen Ojo
Executive Director
Tel: 1-860456
Fax: 1-862412
E-mail: mra@rcl.nig.com
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