Update this afternoon – The Motion to censure the Minister for Communications and Information Dr (Mrs) Dora Akunyili, for her utterances was thrown out this afternoon in the House of Representatives. The Motion introduced by Mayor Eze was brought in and he argued that her utterances is capable of sowing the seeds on instability in the country.
But The House ruled that the issue is not so urgent to come under matters of National Importance hut should come through Notice.
The House rather decided that all should pursue acts to enhance the unity of the Country.
This Morning...Information just in says the members of the House of Representatives will this morning move a motion to censor the Minister for Communications and Information Dr (Mrs) Dora Akunyili, for violating the Official Secrets Act.
It would be recalled that the Honourable Minister for Information and Culture gave a candid and insightful interview over the weekend to Media Houses in Nigeria entitled: ‘Nigeria Must Rise Against This Cabal’ wherein she gave a Candid and Open about the Inner Workings of a Nigerian Government.
The Interview has continued to be aired even till today in Nigeria Television Stations.
The Official Secrets Act makes it an offence for civil servants to give out government information and for anyone to receive or produce such information that the governemnta designates as “secret,” confidential,” or “classified.”
Thus an excessive number of repressive laws prevents civil servants from divulging official facts and figures.