Goodluck Jonathan Foundation seeks transparency in governance

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) has called on stakeholders to promote the right to know and ensure that it is enforced in all strata of society.

The foundation noted that transparency would help build an inclusive society and rekindle the spirit of patriotism among citizens.

The foundation’s position was contained in a statement to commemorate this year’s International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI).

The statement issued in Yenagoa by the foundation’s Communications Officer, Mr Wealth Ominabo noted that access to information is essential towards attaining good governance and sustainable development.

“The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation joins the rest of the world to celebrate International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI).

“For Nigerians, this year’s celebration is significant as it marks a decade since the passage of the freedom of information law.

“As we celebrate, we call on all stakeholders, especially those in positions of authority to realize that public access to information is critical for open governance, transparency and accountability and good governance.

“The right to know is a very important democratic right that fosters inclusivity, promotes justice and peace as well as rekindles the spirit of patriotism among citizens.

“The right to know reemphasizes the point that information is a public good and today serve as a reminder to policymakers and others in positions of trust that denial of public information is an attack on media freedom and democracy.

“The importance of the right to know during this time is emphasized by the choice of this year’s theme: “The Right to Know – Building Back with Access to Information,” the foundation stated.

The foundation maintained that access to Information is essential towards building trust and containing other challenges of this era such as misinformation, hate speech and trust deficit

The foundation urged stakeholders to work towards promoting the right to know and ensure that it is enforced in every segment of society.