The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has advised the newly inaugurated commissioners in Niger State against hoarding vital information on government activities.
The union gave the advice in a statement signed by Malam Abdu Idris and Mr Abu Nmodu, the state Chairman and Secretary, issued on Thursday in Minna.
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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Abubakar Bello on Wednesday inaugurated 20 commissioners to serve in his cabinet.
The NUJ urged the new cabinet members to be open to the media in the interest of probity, accountability and transparency as expected in every democratic setting.
“As members of the executive council with the statutory role of heading Ministries, the Commissioners should embrace the democratic principle of informing the public adequately on challenges and progresses in government.
“The era of inhibiting access to information was no longer fashionable, even as it will be a disservice to the people and the government if public affairs are run below the average of openness and public participation.
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“Openness, even distribution of commonwealth and equal opportunities as well as following due process and diligence, remain the vent of democracy and development all over the world.
“And it is our hope that the commissioners especially those in charge of releasing funds to lubricate government activities will imbibe these practices,” it advised.
The union specifically congratulated the new Commissioner for Information, Mr Mohammed Idris, and urged him to work towards ensuring better funding for state-owned media organisations.
It further tasked the information commissioner to engage professionals in the state owned media to ensure better service delivery.
