NGO demands Jonathan's asset declaration form

Friday Olokor and Olalekan Adetayo

The African Centre for Media and Information Literacy on Thursday asked the Code of Conduct Bureau to make available copies of the 2007 asset declaration of President Goodluck Jonathan for inspection.



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The centre also demanded the President's asset declaration at the end of his tenure on May 28, 2011 as well as his current asset declaration at his inauguration on May 29, 2011.

The centre made the request in a letter by its Coordinator, Mr. Chido Onumah, dated July 28, 2011 and addressed to the bureau's chairman.

A copy of the letter was obtained by our correspondent in Abuja on Thursday.

The centre invoked the provision of Section 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011 that states that "notwithstanding anything contained in any other Act, Law or Regulation, the right of any person to access or request information, whether or not contained in any written form, which is in the custody or possession of any public official, agency or institution howsoever described, is hereby established."

Also invoking the relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the centre said it was sure that such information on the President's property, assets and liabilities and those of his unmarried children under the age of 18 years are in the custody of the CCB.

Onumah in a separate statement said if the CCB did not furnish the centre with the relevant information within seven days as required by Section 5:1 of the FoI Act, it would be left with no other option but to go to court to seek redress.

He faulted the proposed bill to be sent the National Assembly by Jonathan for a single six-year term for the President and the state governors, describing it as diversionary.

He said it was unbelievable that the first bill that the President plans to send to the National Assembly was that of tenure amendment.

Meanwhile, a former Chairman, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Chief Fortunatus Williams, on Thursday in Abuja called on the Board of the Code of Conduct Bureau to give the management of the organisation a free hand to operate.

He stated this in a paper entitled: 'Working relationships between the Board, Management and staff of an Executive Body: Responsibilities and chain of demand' at a retreat organised by the CCB for its board, management and state directors.

The autonomy, he said, should include providing the board with relevant and adequate information to facilitate the formulation of adequate policies and set targets for the achievement of the organisation's larger goals.

Others include facilitating the activities of the Board, implementing policy decisions of the Board, ensuring effective service delivery and upholding the ethical principles of the public service.

He said, "In order to ensure that the organisation achieves its goals and objectives, the management should be given a free hand by the Board to perform its legitimate duties."

In his speech at the event, the Chairman of the CCB, Mr. Sam Saba, stated that the war against corruption in the public service would not be over so long as public servants continue to indulge in unhealthy practices.

Fantastic development! Put this FOI law to the test with Jonathan and hope he responds in a timely manner! This is the kind of things Nigerians can use to put a lot of pressure on its leaders to indicate that WE are paying attention to everything that concerns the country -- not the stomach-churning, headache-inducing uselessness of racism and tribalism.

Thumbs up to you guys!

Great move!!!