Need for periodic briefing by president

Because it carries everybody along and enhances good governance by that fact, the free flow of information is of pivotal importance in an ideal democratic setting. As major stakeholders, the input and perspectives of the citizenry on most issues of governance ought to be heard and should be appropriately considered. However to make any meaningful contribution, the citizenry needs to be properly informed. Because to be adequately informed is a right, the

Freedom of Information Bill, which is specialized falls short of being satisfactory in this regard. True it may grant an individual or organization access to requested information in any government agency. But it does not adequately cover the right of the public to know the progress report from those entrusted with the political responsibility in an authoritatively formalized manner. It is a right and not a privilege of the voting and governed public to know as much as ordinarily possible about the affairs and activities of governance. In this regard I humbly call on the National

Assembly to compel by law, the President and all executive heads of all

MDA’s to address the nation at least once every quarter. The mandatory

Presidential Quarterly Address as hereby suggested, shall be at least a fifteen minute brief on significant national affairs and of interest to the general public from the President himself. Likewise all executive heads of all MDA’s shall present to the nation the reports about progress, challenges and prospects in their respective institutions. In this regard, I humbly call on the National Assembly to consider and effect the necessary bill enactment procedures. Beside strengthening the sense of accountability in public officers this will, in addition, provide a formal way through which policy makers and executives will present their scorecards for public assessment. Just as significant is the fact that the public will make contributory inputs in form of constructive criticism and suggestions some of which may be valuable.

Mustapha Aminu Yusuf, Tukuntawa Qtrs, Kano Municipal mustaphaaminuyusuf@gmail. com 08038583127 08055776070