
CHALLENGES OF THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL TO THE BROADCAST MEDIA IN NTA UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE NIGERIA
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Since Nigeria restored democracy in 1999, many individuals and groups have canvassed for the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill (FOIB) into a piece of legislation in the country as one of the ways of fast-tracking development at the socio-economic and socio-political fronts (Odion-Akhaine 56; Omoera 67). Severally, the
FOIB was brought before the national assembly and it is only recently it was made a law, albeit, in a severely pared or watered down form. Exploring this trajectory of thought one may argue that it is not yet ‘Uhuru’ (Freedom in Swahili Language) as far as Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is concerned in Nigeria. This, perhaps, underscores the problematic that the FOIA as passed is still on a ‘journey’ that needs to be carefully monitored so that it can achieve its objectives for the good of the generality of Nigerians.
The interest in the public domain, the initial political foot-dragging of the executive arm, the age-long legislative elusiveness, and the persistent advocacy of civil societies and the intelligentsia that birthed the passage of the FOIA have probably made it the most vexed legislative issue yet in the annals of democratic history in Nigeria.
Challenges of the Freedom of Information Bill to the Broadcast Media in NTA Uyo
Consequently, this study critically examines the FOIA with particular attention on how its passage into law can help the media to be more effective in Nigeria. The freedom of information bill (FOI) is a bill that, if passed into law, will give every Nigerian access to information, records and documents held by governmental bodies and private bodies carrying out public functions.
It applies to all arms of government: the Executive, legislature and judiciary as well as to all tiers of government: federal, state and local governments.
So far, Nigeria has no law which guarantees citizens access to public records and information. On the contrary, many Nigerian laws have secrecy clauses prohibiting the disclosure of information e.g. the official secrets Act, the criminal code, the penal code etc. Restricting access to vital information starves the press of the legal authority to publish or broadcast what they know to be true. The Nigerian press has for many years been accused of sensationalism as against fact based journalism because their reports appear to be unbacked with evidence.
The FOI Bill has gone through three readings and a public hearing and has been passed by the lower chamber of the National Assembly, and at the senate, it has also passed through three readings and a public hearing awaiting harmonization and presidential assert to become law.
Challenges of the Freedom of Information Bill to the Broadcast Media in NTA Uyo
1.2 History of Case Study
The Nigerian Television Authority, Uyo was established in 1988 following the creation of Akwa Ibom State and in pursuance of the Federal Government Policy of locating one NTA station in every state capital in the country. Generally, In February 1962, the broadcasting company of Northern Nigeria known as BCNN was born. It was commissioned on 15th March, 1962. BCNN was established by the premier of the northern region, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Late Sir Ahmadu Bello. He wanted a medium through which he could sell his government’s policies and bring development to the whole North, because he felt that the existing Radio Station, the NBC was not giving adequate coverage to his government and indeed the activities of the Northern region. The station started in monochrome. In 1963, the RTK (Radio, Television, Kaduna) arm was established, the combination was known and still remained as RTK (Radio Television Kaduna).
The television arm was exercised from the former broadcasting corporation of Northern Nigeria (BCNN) with decree No. 24 of May 1977 which took effect retrospectively from 1st April, 1976.
The objective of NTA is derived from the overall aims of broadcasting in Nigeria. As a medium of communication, television seeks to enrich life of the average Nigerian by influencing positively his social cultural, economic, political and technological thinking. It also brings news and information about national issues. Besides this, it serve as a source of entertainment. Television promotes cultural awareness and seeks to preserve Nigeria’s rich culture.
Through this medium, artistic and intellectual creativity are development. Therefore, all programmes and coverage should be audience-oriented and guided by the nation’s social, political, moral, cultural, scientific, educational and economic goals.