The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the National Assembly to release documents relating to the N37bn renovation of the National Assembly complex.
In a judgment delivered in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/51/2022, Justice Emeka Nwite granted the application of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), which filed the case through its lawyer, Seidu Mohammed.
The court directed the National Assembly to provide HEDA with the proposal, assessment, and procedure used to arrive at the initial N37bn estimate, the actual amount approved and allocated, and the amount so far disbursed for the renovation.
Justice Nwite held that the information sought was within the scope of the Freedom of Information Act and that the legislature had no valid reason to deny access.
“The information is simple and harmless. Where an institution like the respondent denies or is deemed to have denied an applicant the instant information sought, it will not only defeat the very purpose of the Act but encourage corruption and financial recklessness,” the judge said.
Reacting to the ruling, on Sunday, HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, said the decision affirmed the right of citizens to demand accountability on public projects.
“This judgment sets a precedent for public access to information on government projects. We expect the National Assembly to comply fully with the court’s order and provide the required information,” Suraju said.
He urged the National Assembly to comply with the order.
HEDA called on all stakeholders, including the media, civil society organisations, etc, to join in demanding accountability from public institutions and to support the fight against corruption and financial recklessness.
The Punch
