WORKSHOP ON FREEDOM OF INFORMATION FOR B.A.N.A SECONDARY SCHOOL, OKIGWE, IMO STATE

           The workshop was organized to enlighten secondary school staff and students on the existence,provisions and benefits of the Freedom of Information Act 2011. The workshop was held on the 26th day of June 2015 at the Bishop Alfred Nwaizuzu Anglican Secondary School (BANASS) Okigwe, Imo State.

 

 Clinicians from ABSU Law Clinic interacted with SS1 and SS2 students, as well as the staff of the school.

The subject matters that were discussed includes: The meaning of FOI and FOIA; Reasons for the enactment of the FOIA; Benefits of the FOIA; Exemptions to the right to access information under the Act; Mode of application under the Act, Mode of enforcement in event of denial of information requested., et cetera.

The workshop was a success.There was proper time management and general coordination.Students asked questions and were given answers.

The Principal Mr. Orji Kalu was impressed with the awareness program and stated that the school is open to the Law Clinic for further educative workshops.He requested that copies of the FOIA and other relevant materials be made available to the school for reference purposes.The students likewise expressed their joy over the enlightenment program.

Facilitators of the Workshop:
1) Barr. Emeka Okoroafor (Staff Clinician)
2) Erugoh Desiree (Head Clinician).

Participants:
Nkem Diala Caren
Udenze Hilda
Obairi Doreen
Agbara Ekeoma
Esther Onuoha
Balogu Henrietta

A REPORT ON UTURU COMMUNITY OUTREACH

The outreach was held on the 27th of March 2015.

We arrived at Uturu at exactly 9:15am. On arrival at the venue, the village square was already arranged for the outreach by the youths who were  aware of our visit.

However, we were faced with the challenge of gathering the villagers to the square for the outreach which was later resolved. A great number

of them finally came out and the students quickly started with the items on the programme after the opening prayer. There was an educating drama

display by the law students which also served as a mode of sensitizing the villagers about the freedom of Information Act.
Also, a brief speech was made by the 1st speaker for the outreach group in the person of Eke Nneka Anaga, who enlightened the villagers on the objectives of the FOI Act. Another speech was made by the 2nd speaker

in the person of Igboanugwo Valentine who discussed the procedures for enforcement of the right guaranteed under the FOI Act and lastly the 3rd speakers

Erondu Olanma enlightened them on the role of the Abia State University Law Clinic.
Our own co-ordinator

Barr. Emeka Okoroafor threw more light on what the speakers had said and also entertained some questions

from the villagers.
Some of the villagers asked questions based on the issue of security. They wanted to know how secured they were from the police and other law enforcement agencies in asking various questions. Barr. Emeka ensured them of their safety in respect of their rights in asking for information.
In terms of our achievements we were able to educate a great number of people on the provisions of the FOI Act and its objectives, as well as the role of the ABSU law clinic in helping get access to justice.
The students also interviewed some members of the community and finally a closing prayer was said by Obike Chinyere Peace. 
The outreach to Uturu community was organized by the following clinicians of Abia State law faculty Igwe Sandra, Abia Humphrey, Enyeazu Victor, Odiba Chidiebere, Erugo Desiree and our very own coordinators Dr. Sam Erugo and Barr. Emeka Okoroafor.
   In Attendance were:
The 5th year clinicians
The 4th year clinicians
The Clinic Staff/Supervisor: Barr. Emeka Okoroafor.

 

A REPORT ON OVIM FOI COMMUNITY OUTREACH

On Tuesday, the 24th day of March, 2015, the Abia State University Law clinicians paid a visit to Ovim community in Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Abia State

 in a bid to sensitize them on their Freedom of Information. (FOI).
Arrival to Ovim community was at about 8:30am; when we arrived, large members of the community were already gathered and seated

with their Eze and Chiefs who were also present to welcome us.

The Clinic Staff, Barr Emeka Okoroafor made our presence known to them by giving a brief introduction of who we were, where we came from, what we intended to do and achieve at the end of that day.
After that, the final year clinicians played out an Igbo drama

which was an eye opener for them on their right to request for information from the government and get adequate answers there from.
While the drama played out, the members of the community watched with keen interest, awe and approval; their excitement and applause was evident.
After the drama, an introductory speech was given by

Ezutah Lekwa Agbogho (1st speaker) who spoke in Igbo language on the meaning and use of the FOI Act; the 2nd speaker

Enyinnanya Nwagbai spoke on the procedures necessary in the use of the FOI Act; the 3rd speaker Nworie Genevieve concluded while the Clinic Staff, Barr. Emeka Okoroafor gave the summary speech and encouraged the community members not to hesitate to call us for help or visit our law clinic anytime they needed our help.
The community members were given the FOI Act and flyers which contained all they need to know about FOI.

The Eze and few members of the community thanked us for coming to enlighten them on their right and on the need of the use of the FOI Act.
On behalf of the ABSU Law Clinic the Clinic Staff,  Barr. Emeka Okoroafor thanked the members of the community for coming and giving us their time, he also thanked them for welcoming us. We left the community at about 11:00am.
In Attendance were:
The 5th year clinicians
The 4th year clinicians
The Clinic Staff/Supervisor:
Barr. Emeka Okoroafor.

A REPORT ON UTURU ADVOCACY VISIT

On the 14th day of march 2015, the staff clinician Barr Emeka Okoroafor alongside student clinicians embarked on an advocacy visit to Achara community in Uturu. We were received by Chief Simeon Akonu, the Chairman Council Chief of Nneji Autonomous community. Other dignitaries present;


 -High Chief Onwukwe Paschal Onyemachi  (Traditional Prime Minister of Late Ena 1 of Uturu)

 - Chief Lazarus Nwafor (Member, Nneji Autonomous Community)

 - Miss Ogazi Nkechinyere (Secretary, Dibunma Youth)

 - Chief Louis Chukwuemeka (Palace Secretary of Umuobi Ancient Kingdom)

 - Madam Maria Ogazi (Secretary, Amanyanwu Women Organization)

 - Mrs Roseline Odeme (President, Dibunma Group)

 - Mr. Emenike Chibusi Samuel (Youth President, Achara Autonomous Community)

 - Mr. Chika Onyirioha (President, Amanyanwu Youth)

After the breaking of kola and exchange of pleasantries, the Staff Clinician Barr. Emeka Okoroafor addressed the gathering on the purpose of our visit to the community. He explained to them what the law clinic is all about and how it is related to Freedom of Information. He further talked about the Freedom of information Act and its benefits to the community. He cited instances of irregularities in the community and how embracing the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2011 will aid in restoring things back to normality. The limited  human resources has made it impracticable for people in the rural areas to know about the existence of the FOIA and the Law Clinic is out to correct such abnormality. The Staff  Clinician stated that the essence of the advocacy visit was to reach an agreement as to a convenient date to organize a workshop for the community as a whole.

The student clinicians contributed by emphasizing the essence of the FOIA and the benefits appurtenant to it. These benefits include knowledge about the activities of the government, knowledge of how funds generated in the community are utilized, and provision of social amenities such as pipe borne water, maternity homes, electricity, etc.

The clinicians further stated that anyone at all is eligible to bring complaints on the breach of the provisions of the FOIA, and that the clinic would assist in all possible ways.

The Law Clinic team entertained questions from the dignitaries present. Madam Ogazi Nkechinyere recounted the dilemma of the community as regards non provision of the necessary amenities needed for the peaceful co-existence of the villagers. She stated that for over 12 years, the community had been oblivious of a means of relating their sufferings to the government. She expressed her joy over our visit and asked us not to relent on carrying out the project to other communities thriving in conditions similar to theirs. She asked how the villagers, as timid and uneducated as they were, would be able to seek redress in cases of public institutions breaching the provisions of the FOIA.

Bar. Emeka Okoroafor addressed her question by stating that all the villagers need to do is communicate to the clinic about such refusal or breach and the clinic would take up the matter. He further stated that the clinic is located at Faculty of Law, Abia State University.


Chief Louis Chukwemeka expressed his fear over questioning some institutions and personalities over the mismanagement of funds. This situation was addressed by the Staff Clinician, who stated that the villagers need not entertain fear but should embrace this wave of change as its benefits are overwhelming and that the clinic would assist in all manner practicable to ensure the safety of persons who probe about their welfare.

   

The  host, Chief Simeon Akonu, thanked the Law Clinic Team for remembering the community in their project and also admonished the team not to relent in enlightening other neighbouring communities of the essence of the Freedom of Information Act 2011. He stated that the leaders of the community, those present and in absentia, will commune and agree on a suitable date for the clinic to address the whole community about the FOIA such date will be communicated to the clinic in due time.

The law clinic team exchange contacts with the dignitaries, as well as presented them with copies of the freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2011 translated in Igbo Language. Miss Nkechinyere Ogazi said the closing prayer and the clinic team took snapshots with the dignitaries.

The clinicians present at the advocacy visit are:

Barr. Emeka Okoroafor (Staff Clinician)


2. Erugoh Desiree ( Head Clinician)

3. Sandra Igwe

4. Odika Chidiebere

5. Abia Humphrey

6. Okezuonu Obioma Emmanuel.

Advocacy visit

ADVOCACY VISIT ON FOI (OVIM COMMUNITY)
The advocacy visit on the FOI outreach by the Ovim Community group commenced on Sunday 8th March, 2015. The first visit was to some of the traditional rulers of Ovim Community.
On Sunday 8th March, Barr. Emeka, the staff clinic supervisor went to see HRH Eze Douglas Okereke and HRH Eze Obidia Nkere Ugorji. When he went to see them, he met with HRH Eze Douglas Okereke and HRH Eze Obidia Nkere Ugorji, telling them of our intention to come to their community as it concerns the FOI seminar. They gave him a date for our next meeting where both Ezes would be present to meet with the student clinicians.
The fixed date for the next meeting was on Monday  the 9th of March, 2015. The staff clinic supervisor and the student clinicians at exactly 5pm on Monday,met with HRH Eze Obidia Nkere Ugorji but unfortunately, HRH Eze Douglas Okereke did not make it for the meeting.We were warmly received by the Eze as we informed him of the purpose of our visit. We started by highlighting the importance and essence of the FOI and the need for members of the community to embrace it wholesomely. Thereafter, he raised some concern of perceived adverse effect which the Act may have on the members of the community.  First, he talked about the fear of exposing members of the community to litigation which had not been their usual practice, preferring the ADR method. We were able to allay his fears and concerns by explaining the real essence and purpose of the Act, together with its enormous benefits.
He further raised questions as to the extent to which the community and its members can participate; and effectiveness of the Act on community members. We responded to these questions by giving him a detailed explanation of the extent they can participate and how effective the Act can be on the community members. At the end of the discussion/ deliberation, he stated his unreserved gratitude to us for coming, adding that he will in no small measure, actively participate and also make sure that the community members embrace the FOI Act and workshop.
Finally, we took photographs with him. In attendance were HRH Eze Obidia Nkere Ugorji, Enachi 1 of Ovim Community, the Ovim Youth Leader (Okpechi Ndubuisi) and some clinicians of the ABSU Law Clinic. Their names are:
Ndubuisi Tochi Esther
Ndukaku Ucheoma Mayor
Ihueze Daniel C.
Erugo Nneka Desiree
Ezutah Lekwa Agbogo-Imo
Supervisor- Barr. Emeka Okoroafor





FOI OVIM ADVOCACY VISIT III
A REPORT ON A VISIT TO THE OVIM COMMUNITY LEAGUE AS REGARDS THE FOI COMMUNITY OUTREACH ON THE 12TH OF MARCH, 2015.
The ABSU Law Clinic (Ovim Team), visited the Ovim Community League (OCL) with the Chairman, in the person of Ogbonna Ihemenandu and his Executives. The clinic team was able to educate the people on the essence and purpose of the FOI Act and intending workshop. They all listened with keen interest. Questions were thrown and all were answered.
The meeting was a brief one but its purpose was accomplished as we were able to brief them on the importance of the FOI workshop and their questions were answered. They appreciated us for coming and promised to put their heads together and get back to us on their fixed date for the FOI workshop proper as soon as possible. The meeting ended on a friendly note and photographs were taken.
In attendance were the OCL Chairman (Ogbonna Ihemenandu), the Vice-Chairman, the Secretary, other OCL Executives, some members of the Ovim community and the ABSU Law clinicians.

FOI SEMINAR

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (FOI) SEMINAR, HELD ON THE 26TH OF JANUARY, 2015, IN THE FACULTY OF LAW COMPLEX, ABIA STATE UNIVERSITY, UTURU

The central theme of the seminar was “Building the Capacity of Community-Based Groups for the Effective Use of Freedom of Information Act in Nigeria.” The aim of the seminar was to train the students by way of educating them on the contents and provisions of the freedom of information act. Furthermore, the seminar aimed at preparing the students for participating in street law, i.e. training other members of the community in their rights provided by the freedom of information act.
Before the passage of the FOI act on 28th May 2011, there was no clear and definite legal framework providing for the mechanism and processes guaranteeing the Nigerian citizens the public right to access the public records and information. This promoted non-transparency and clandestine system of governance at all levels of government. However with the passage of the law, it promises to remove the aura of mystery and exclusion with which public servants clothe the ordinary operations of government and public institutions and manage public records and information.

CHALLENGES
Although it was anticipated that FOI Act would improve the citizens’ participation in public governance leading to promotion of transparency, democratic values, accountability and community development. Unfortunately, years after the passage of the law, the Act is yet to make in-roads in changing the dynamics of citizen participation in public governance. The act is yet to be used at community level to audit community development projects or even hold political office holders account.
It has been observed that the low level of public awareness about the FOI Act], its provisions and how to use it is because most of the prime beneficiaries of the law are yet to get to fully appreciate the enormous benefits they can derive from it more active application of the law. Only a few requests for information and records were made by a small number and society organizations and individuals at Abuja and Lagos at urban level. Just about ten requests.
One of the prime beneficiaries of this Act is the local populace at the community level.

PROBLEM ANALYSIS

The lack of use of FOI at the community level is primarily a driven by the fact that FOI is relatively a new law and its awareness of its existence is yet created at this community level while efforts have been put I place to build institutional capacities of government agencies coordinated by the AGE no concrete efforts so far has been directed to local communities. Communities and individual end users lack the knowledge, understanding and capacity the use the law to meet the objectives anticipated with its passage. This training today is a first step of the project aimed at building the capacity of the community based groups to effectively utilize the FOI Act in accessing public records and information.
Another identifiable problem is the lack of adequate human and material resources needed to educate the local communities primarily because the FOI Act is relatively new la w and has not been developed enough pool of human resources to reach rural locations. Ensuring effective us of the law needs a process that can break down the law for easy understanding and provide education about its values, objectives and how it can be used by communities. Governments for obvious reasons have not taken any serious step to create awareness about the law. This project therefore it is hoped, through the available pool of law students in law clinic (ABSU Law Clinic) in particular situated at rural communities will provide the needed qualified human and material resources to break down the law to the level of target communities.

STRATEGY
To achieve the project specific objectives, the strategy adopted so to educate the community members through community outreaches using the street law programme of law clinic street law programme sis a component of our law clinic. Our dear Mrs Okpara C. will give us more light insight about the street law programme.
The street law approach will include training of law teachers to develop FOI street law training programmes for law students. Most ABSU law teachers are beneficiaries of this training programme before NULAI with support from MAC Arthur Foundation, Open Society Justice Initiative and the United Nations Democracy funds. This takes the format of train the trainer because the law teachers will train students that work at the law clinic on the FOI Act and this is the reason why we are here.
This street law programme goes beyond creating awareness as students are expected to develop lesson plans and appropriate methodology to educate target communities. This approach it is hope will tackle lack of awareness knowledge, understanding and capacity of community members to use the FOI Act because these students will breakdown the law using methodologies such as drama in local languages. We just observed one few minutes ago, video clips and other interactive approaches that will ensure easy understanding.
Law students as the project vehicle and resource pool for street law outreaches will benefit from the skills acquired in carrying out this project the skill will include but not limited to communities.