WALE ADEDAYO was recently in Abuja, where he sought the views of Senator Akin Olasunkanmi (PDP, Osun West), on efforts to ensure the promulgation of a law to guarantee access to information in Nigeria. Excerpts:
Given the fact that without adequate information to lubricate the engine of a democracy, what is your assessment of access to information by Nigerians since the current democratic experiment began in 1999?
Before the advent of the current democracy, you probably would not be able to ask this type of question. It was tough for the media to operate during the military regime, because the government would be after the journalists. But now you can abuse President Olusegun Obasanjo and still sleep in your house. You can say anything you want. I think we have moved away from the past experience, whereby you will be afraid to talk. To that extent, I think we are making progress. But there is this Freedom of Information Bill, which is pending in the National Assembly, which will further enhance the activities of you newshounds, that you will be able to do your work more fearlessly. We have moved away from the dark days of the past.
But beyond the issue of journalists being able to access information, it is also important for the citizens to have the same opportunity. What are you lawmakers doing in this regard?
I agree with you. There should be a process, whereby Nigerians should be able to have access to public records without jeopardising the nation�s security. That is how things are done abroad. Any information that is in the interest of Nigerians, the citizens should be able to have access to it, even records in The Presidency. But I also agree that a balance between the national interest and what the public want should be there.
What is your opinion on the debate about the increase in capital base for banks?
I think it is a very good development. Any time that a change is being introduced into the life of any nation, be it positively or negatively, it often generates some controversies. The debate about the capital base is healthy for our country.
Tourism is a major source of foreign exchange earnings in some parts of the world. Your state hosts the annual Osun Osogbo festival, among other tourism potential. What are you doing with your position to influence ensure the realization of these potentials?
There is a healthy relationship between the Osun State representatives in the National Assembly and the state government. And we are doing all we can to cooperate with the state government for the development of our state. Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola is already doing a lot about the Osun Osogbo festival, which we all know is a good source of income for the people of the Osun State. But we need to remind ourselves that before it can become a foreign exchange earner in the real sense of the word, we have to put a lot of things into consideration. For example, look at Osogbo, there is no single hotel of international standard there. The governor is already addressing this in the 2004 budget. It is unfortunate that the last government did not consider it a priority to build a reputable five-star hotel in Osogbo. If we start attracting people from other parts of the world, especially South America, to come, where do you want to put them? Will they come for the festival in Osogbo, then go back to Lagos or Ibadan to sleep at night? So, the hotel is a priority of the state government, because it will also generate its own income.
