The Edo State State Government has said the that Freedom of Information Act is not applicable in Edo State, citing a Court of Appeal decision.
In a letter to Chief Patrick Eholor, dated 20th of May, 2021 and endorsed by the Solicitor General of Edo State and Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Justice-Oluwole Iyamu SAN, the government said the FOI is not applicable to the state.
However in a swift reaction to the letter, Chief Eholor, through his counsel, Douglas Ogbankwa Law Firm,
stated that he will be pleased to meet the Edo State Government in court, as he won a similar case against the Edo State Government recently at the Edo State High Court, where the court held that the Freedom of Information Act is applicable to Edo State and awarded damages against the Government.
Eholor stated further that the Government relied on an outdated authority or judicial precedent on the matter as latest authorities on the matter are on all fours with his position on the issue.
“Edo State Government should get ready for a long drawn legal battle, as we interrogate other governmental processes to ensure transparency and accountability in government”.