SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ON THE PERCEPTION OF FREEDOM OF INFORMAITON BILL BY JOURNALISTS IN BAYELSA STATE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Summary
In this research work, we tried to
examine the perception of Journalists in relation to freedoms of information
bill which is now an act and how they have been able to utilize the act since
its passage.
It should be noted that various
literatures pertaining to Freedom of Information Act were looked into for
efficiency and effectiveness to prevail in this work. The various methodologies
in data collection and analysis, that is research design, population of study,
sample and sampling technique were also put to play to make this work smooth.
Based on the data gotten from the respondents the researcher has therefore
drawn conclusion as it related to the research questions.
5.2 Conclusion
In conclusion, the public is entitled
to the truth and only correct information can form the basis for sound
journalism and ensure the confidence of the people. With the freedom of
information Act, journalists are now better armed to hold public officers
accountable to the people.
The fact that the journalists are
aware of the act and had full positive perception of it, but had not made use
of its is worrisome. In the light of the above, it is important that the law is
implemented so that it will touch people lives. In this regard, the journalists
and civil society organizations have key leadership roles an ensuring a
successful implementation of the act.
5.3 Recommendations
Considering the work done so far in
this research, it is recommended that:
1. The
journalists should as a matter of fact, liaise with the Bayelsa State House of
Assembly for proper domestication of the Act in the State.
2. The
oversight functions of ensuring compliance to the provision of the Act should
be done by the journalists and the people for effective implementation of the
act.
3. Journalists
should carryout in-depth study of the provision of the act to be acquainted
with it.
4. Journalists
should make conscious effort to apply the provisions of the Act to their job
and thereby serve the public better as the watchdogs of the society.
REFERENCES
Abati,
R. (2007). Obasanjo, National Assembly
and the Freedom of Information Bill. The
Guardian.
Adekele,
F. (2011). Prospect and Challenges of
FOI Bill in Nigeria. Retrieved from http://www. Elombah.com.
Agbese,
D. (2008). Nigeria their Nigeria.
Lagos: News Watch Books Limited.
Asadu,
C. A (2007). Democracy and Good
Governance: The Place of the Mass Media. International Journal of
Communication. No. 6, 253-264.
Ayode,
S. (2011). Right –Nigeria: Freedom of
Information Bill Proves Elusive. Retrieved from http://www.info.
Rights.com.
Ciboh,
R. (2010). Challenges to Freedom of
Information Legislation and Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria. In Godwin, B.
O. and Aniefiok, U. (ed.) Political Communication and Nigeria Democracy. A Book
of Reading Amethyst and Colleagues Publishers.
Eme,
O. I and Asadu C. A. (2010). One Decade
of Freedom Information Bill in Nigeria: An Assessment. In Godwin, B. O and
Aniefiok, U. (ed.) Political Communication and Nigeria Democracy. A Book of
Reading Amethyst and Colleagues Publishers.
Garba,
K. A. (2010). Worries Rise over
Lawmakers’ Hostility of FOI Bill. The Guardian, P. 68.
Iriekpen,
D. (2009). Ten Years After, what Fate for
FOI Bill? ThisDay Newspaper.
Odigwe,
B. (2011). The Freedom of Information Act
and its Effect on Record Keeping in the public service. The Delta Bureaucrat.
A Bi-Annual Journal of the Delta State Public Serve. 11 (1) 24-26.
Ohiagu,
O. P (2010). Freedom of Information: A
Prerequisite for Sustenance of Nigeria Democracy. In Godwin, B. O and
Aniefiok, U. (ed.) Political Communication and Nigeria Democracy. A Book of
Reading Amethyst and Colleagues Publishers.
Siebert,
F. S. Peterson, T. and Schramm, W. (1956).
Four theories of the Press Chicago: The University of Illinois Press.
Ufuophubiri,
E. (2007). Press Freedom and Media Law in
Nigeria. An Introduction to Mass Communication Principles and Practices.
Uyo: Robertminder International (Publishers Limited).
APPENDIX I
Department
of Linguistics
and
Communication Studies,
Faculty
of Humanities,
University
of Port Harcourt,
Rivers
State.
Dear
Respondent,
I am a final
year student of University of Port Harcourt carrying out a research on “THE PERCEPTION OF FREEDOM OF INFORMAITON
BILL BY JOURNALISTS IN BAYELSA STATE”. It is an academic requirement for
the award of Bachelor of Arts (B.A) degree.
To this end, I
have designed this questionnaire to enable you to provide answers to. I assure
you that information supplied will be treated confidentially.
Kindly answer
the questions on the attached sheets by choosing the alternative that suit you.
Yours
Sincerely,
Researcher
APPENDIX II
QUESTIONNAIRE
Below are boxes
provided against answer beside each question? Just check answer and tick (√) in
the appropriate box
1.
Name of respondent:…………………………………..
 |
|
2.
Sex: Male Female
 |
 |
 |
3.
Age: 18-24 25-30 31-40
4.
Educational level:
 |
a.
Secondary
b.
Higher/university
Higher/university 
SECTION
B
5.
Are you a full time
journalist? Yes No
Are you a full time
journalist? Yes No
6.
How long have you being
practicing? (a) 1-2 years (b) 3-6yrs
(c)
How long have you being
practicing? (a) 1-2 years (b) 3-6yrs
(c)
7.
Are you aware of
freedom of information bill?
Are you aware of
freedom of information bill?
Yes No
8.
What is your perception of FOIB? (a)
Good (b) Bad
9.
Have you accessed
information from any government agency since the signing of FOIA?
Have you accessed
information from any government agency since the signing of FOIA?
(a)
Yes (b)
No
10. 
Do you face challenges
in accessing unhindered information?
Do you face challenges
in accessing unhindered information?
(a) Yes
(b) No
11. Is
there any benefits from FOIB?
(a) Yes (b) No
Yes (b) No
12. Mention
the Benefit:……………………………………………………
13. Have you thought of an
act like this?
Have you thought of an
act like this?
(a) Yes (b) No
Yes (b) No
14. Have
you ever been threatened to be sued?
(a) Yes (b) No
Yes (b) No
15. Have you made use of the act?
(a) Yes (b) No
Yes (b) No
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