The matter between Rommy Mom Esq and the Benue State Emergency Agency came up today the 9th May 2013 before the Hon. Justice Ada Onum of the Benue State High Court.
Kizito Agbainjo Esq represented Rommy Mom and informed the Court he was ready to proceed with the Application against BSEMA for information on the status of the flood victims’ assistance (money) in the custody of the Benue State Government. This is the basis of Mr. Mom’ case brought under the Freedom of Information Action 2011.
Mr. Asue representing the State was however not ready to proceed, owing to the fact that he supposedly wrote BSEMA for the required information and other details. According to him, his letter was served on BSEMA on the 7th of May 2013. He pleaded for time to enable him get the information so as to take an informed position on the matter.
The Court opined that given the summary nature of  proceedings under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) and the public interest therein it will adjourn to 22nd of May 2013 for the matter to be determined on the merits.
It should be noted that the Freedom of Information Act 2011 anticipates quick dispensation of proceedings. This informs the time spans allotted to the supply of information and the time for Applicants to approach the Court to compel the supply of such information when refused.
We are hopeful this matter will be expeditiously determined