Terrorism charges being used to silence critics, activists, says JODER

Terrorism charges is now being used by Nigerian political office holders to silence and intimidate critics of the government, Journalists for Democratic Rights, (JODER) said in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday.

JODER berated terrorism charges against a Calabar based lawyer Joseph Odok who had Terrorism slammed on him on Tuesday at the Federal High Court, Calabar, at the instance of the Governor of Cross Rivers State, Prof Ben Ayade.

The leading pro-media rights group cited the trial of Sahara Reporters Publisher, Mr Omoyele Sowore and Cross Rivers Watch Publisher Jalingo Agba as clear instances where Terrorism charges are being abused by state and Federal authorities to stifle public dissent against the various policies of the government.

“The real terrorists are having a field day while people’s power expressed through public media is being demonized as terrorism by Nigerian authorities” JODER stated in the statement signed by its Executive Director, Mr Adewale Adeoye and the Programme Officer, Mr Taiwo Adeleye.

The group said: “The ruling class is now employing the Anti Terrorism Act as a weapon to fight criticisms. The Governments have finally decided to stop every form of criticism considered bitter to the authorities. This is plot behind the charges against Sahara Reporters and Cross Rivers Watch Publishers.”

JODER urged journalists and the Nigerian public to follow the trials with keen interests warning that the attacks may be extended to other media institutions and radical individuals in the nearest future.”

JODER said the ruling class has for long been plotting to stop Sahara Reporters.
It referred to the instance when former Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki slammed a libel suit against Mr Sowore in Ilorin.

The judge did not hear Sowore but awarded N4 billion damages against him.
Sowore’s lawyers got the Court of Appeal to set aside the illegal judgment and award.
Since libel suits have not stopped Saharareporters Sowore was arrested for terrorism.

The DSS applied to detain him for 45 days under the Terrorism Act.
Justice Taiwo issued the order. Sowore’s lawyers challenged the illegal order to detain Sowore for terrorism leading to Terrorism charge being dropped for treasonable felony.

JODER stated: “Based on submissions of Sowore’s lawyers Justice Taiwo granted Sowore bail. DSS refused to release him and threatened to report Justice Taiwo to National Judicial Council. This was enough to scare Justice Ifeoma Ojukwu

But since Sowore’s led by erudite activist, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) cited precedence in the cases of late MKO Abiola, some members of All Progressives Congress, (APC) leaders and activists like late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Dr Beko Ransome Kuti, Mr Femi Falana who were once charged with treasonable felony, Justice Ifeoma Ojukwu granted Sowore bail but imposed punitive conditions.

JODER said “The lawyers confronted Justice Ojukwu with the fact that a similar bail granted by her in Col Sambo Dasuki’s case was declared illegal by the Court of Appeal she set aside the payment of N50 million cash imposed by her on Sowore’s sureties.”

The group stated further: “But to stop Sowore from travelling round to gather news to publish saharareporters Justice Ojukwu has restricted his movement to Abuja.”

It said there was a clear and deliberate plot to put an end to Sahara Reporters and similar publications that have broken media conventions in reporting the appalling criminality of corrupt government officials who see free speech and free media as threats to the endless looting of state resources combined with many acts of impunity associated with many Nigerian public officials.

JODER said the posture of the Nigerian government continues to ridicule the genuine intention of the Anti-Terrorism Act which is now being employed to limit the space for democratic freedom.

Govt. ’ll not tolerate illegal traditional stool in any part of Delta State

Delta State Deputy Governor, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro, right, presents staff
of office to the new King of Ogwashi-Uku.

The Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has warned that his government will not tolerate any illegal traditional stool in any part of the state and will also never dabble into the selection of traditional rulers.

Governor Okowa who gave the warning at the presentation of Staff of Office to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Aniocha South Local Government Area, HRM, Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II.

The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, reiterated that government would continue to support the traditional institution through the provision of conducive environment for their leadership to thrive.

"It is my belief that this is one way that will galvanize our traditional rulers to support government policies and programmes. I therefore call on all and sundry to continue to support the efforts of this administration by contributing your quota in the sustenance of peace, unity and harmonious coexistence in the state" he stressed.

"According to the laws of the state, it is statutory for the government to present Staff of office to traditional rulers after due installation and enthronement by his people. The event is in compliance with the statute, hence it is been appreciated by Ogwashuku people.

"Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II, was selected by the Ogwashuku king makers to succeed his father who passed on recently. Let me congratulate the royal father for emerging as the new Obi of Ogwashi-uku Kingdom. I am confident that though very big shoes to wear, you will be meticulous in using divine wisdom to handle the affairs of the Kingdom, “he added.

The governor also congratulated the people in the area for passing through the processes leading to the selection of their King just as he urged the monarch to see his elevation as a call to contribute his quota to the development of Ogwashi -Uku Kingdom through peace building.

Governor Okowa remarked further, "I also implore all the people of Ogwash-Uku Kingdom to give maximum support to His Royal Majesty to enable him create opportunities for socio-economic activities to thrive for the benefit of the kingdom, Delta State and Nigeria at large. The joy of the event today should translate into demonstrating love, understanding and cooperation for both His Majesty and the throne."

Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II, in his speech after receiving the staff of office, commended the Delta State government for the honour and privilege given to him to serve his people, saying the history of the kingdom dates back to over seven centuries.

“The bold steps taken by His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa in presenting me this staff of office today after a careful investigative process lay to rest who rightfully should occupy the Obiship of our kingdom.

"It is our firm belief that the action taken by Your Excellency would keep to promote harmony in our kingdom. It is worthy of note that I passed through all the different stages to receive this staff of office. This includes the endorsement and presentation by the Umu Obi Obahal Royal family," he stated.

He explained further that during his reign, he would work expeditiously to promote unity in the kingdom while pursuing education, promotion of agriculture, establishment of cottage industries, improvement on the environment, promotion of culture and infrastructure to its logical conclusion.

The chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Area, Chief Isaac Anwuzia, told the crowd of persons that graced the event that the day marked a milestone in the history of his people.

"Your Excellency, given the economic recession that greeted our Nation and state at your inception of office as the Governor of Delta State, we are surprised at the monumental achievements that your administration has recorded. It is our prayers that God will continue to give you the grace to fill the huge developmental gaps across the state."

“I equally want to assure you that the Aniocha South traditional rulers, committee and indeed the good people of Aniocha South are willing and ready to support our brand new Obi," the chairman stated.

For uninterrupted oil production: Be fair in dealings with host communities, Okowa urges oil firms, gives Heritage Energy 72 hours to renew FTO, GMoU

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State.

Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited has been given a 72-hour ultimatum to renew the Freedom To Operate (FTO) by contracting firms and pay the General Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) funds to the Olomoro community, hosting the marginal fields operations of the oil firm.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State gave the order in Asaba today, Tuesday, October 23, 2019, at a stakeholders meeting to resolve a petition to the Delta State Government by Olomoro community, in Isoko South Local Government Area of the State over oil prospecting issues.

Pointing out that to ensure a peaceful environment that will guarantee uninterrupted oil production in the country, the Governor urged oil companies to be fair and just in their dealings with host communities. 

The Olomoro community, one of the host communities to OML 30 had petitioned the state government over non consideration of indigenes in award of contracts; non renewal of Freedom To Operate (FTO) by contracting firms, employment of indigenes and delay in payment of General Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) funds by Heritage Energy, operators of the marginal field.

Governor Okowa represented by the State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Prince Emman Amgbaduba in an intervention meeting with stakeholders ordered Heritage Energy to renew the FTO within 72 hours and ensure adequate funding of the GMoU on or before 1st of December, 2019 and consideration of indigenes when there is vacancy.

The Governor, however, warned communities against blocking of roads, unnecessary protests without first writing to the State Government through the Ministry of Oil and Gas. 

"Let me first commend Olomoro community for seeking justice through due process. It is important for oil companies to ensure that they are fair and just in their dealings with host communities to ensure a peaceful environment for oil production. 

"As a government we are irrevocably committed to ensuring a better deal for our host communities and as such we encourage oil companies to do everything humanly possible to make peace with their host communities. 

"As a prelude to resolving this dispute, I urge Heritage Energy to ensure a renewal of the FTO within 72 hours of this meeting and also to ensure adequate funding provisions for the operationalisation of the GMoU with the host communities. 

"To also foster better relations with the community, Heritage Energy should ensure they consider qualified indigenes of host communities in their recruitment process and contract awards in the spirit of the Local Content Act.," he added

Head Community Relations and Security of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, Sylvester Okoh pledged the company's commitment to comply with government directives to resolve all FTOs and implementation of the GMoU with the community, assuring that equity and fairness will be applied in their dealings with their host communities. 

President General of Olomoro Community, Pastor Blessing Agboro thanked the State Government for the intervention assuring that the community will continue to follow the path of the law in their agitations for a better deal from the company.

The meeting was attended by management of Heritage Energy, the Commander, 222 Battalion, Nigeria Army, Maj. Ogidan, community leaders, among others.

Okowa seeks N27.9bn 2019 supplementary budget, writes Assembly

Okowa presenting the 2019 budget.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has sent a N27.9 billion supplementary budget for 2019 to the State House of Assembly for approval, increasing the initial budget figure of N390 billion to N417.9 billion.

Okowa’s proposal was contained in a letter to the state house of assembly which was read by the Speaker, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, at the plenary today, Tuesday, October 22, 2019 in Asaba.

According to the governor, the proposal for the budget review was informed by the performance of the approved 2019 budget and improvement in the revenue of the state.

He said the review was intended to adjust and realign the budgetary provisions of 2019 to accommodate commitments, priority projects and programmes of the state government which were not adequately provided for.

Okowa gave the breakdown of the reviewed budget as follows: N169.7 billion for Recurrent Expenditure and N248.1 billion for Capital Expenditure.

The Majority Leader of the house, Mr Tim Owhefere, moved a motion for the house to receive the letter from the governor and was seconded by Mr. Festus Okoh, representing Ika South.

The motion was unanimously adopted by the members and the house slated the second reading of the bill for Wednesday.

Also, the house approved the request by the governor for the state to accept United Bank for Africa PLC’s re-issued offer of N500 million revolving bank guarantee and issuance of conditional Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) in favour of UBA PLC.

The governor’s request was also contained in a letter read by the speaker during plenary on Tuesday in Asaba.

In the letter, Okowa recalled that the state Executive Council on February 27, 2018 approved that the state should secure N600 million revolving bank guarantee in favour of Lafarge Holding in Africa PLC from a distance class deposit money bank.

He said that the bank guarantee was to facilitate the proposed construction of 10,000 housing units for civil servants in Illah, Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state.

The governor said that the bank had offered a bank guarantee which the state duly accepted.

Consequently, the house approved the request, following a motion by the majority leader which was seconded by the Deputy Majority Leader, Mr Oboro Preyor.

The house further approved another request for the validation of a bank guarantee offered by Zenith Bank PLC in respect of N200 million Federal Government share of the counterpart funds for the 2018 SDGs and CGS projects in the state.

The speaker who read the letter of request, said the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs had called for the submission of application to commence the 2018 Conditional Grants Scheme to the state.

The majority leader also moved a motion for the receipt of the letter for further consideration and approval and the motion, which was unanimously adopted, was seconded by Mr Austin Chikezie (PDP-Aniocha South). (NAN)

2023 seems the appropriate time for Gbagi in Delta

Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi.

By Prof Haalim Uche

I must make a quick confession , I was one of  those that held the notion that ahead 2023,  former Minister of State for Education and highest indigenous investor in Delta State,  Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, hit the road rather early on his  mission to govern  the oil-rich state.

 I am sure many are with me in this conception,  but last Thursday, October 3, at the  Mosogar in Ethiope-West Local Government Area country home of one of the pillars of Urhobo politics, Senator Ighoyota Amori, where he went to consult Odidimadi, as many know Amori and his political family, it became palpable that it was a politically- shrewd calculation.

 Urhobo leader and legal icon, Elegbete (Barrister) Moses Odibo,  Chief Anthony Akpomiemie former House of Representatives member,  Ethiope East and West, Hon Lovett  Idisi, Commissioner Chris Onogba, Commissioner Joyce Overah, chair, Delta State School of Health Technology, Ofuoma, Dr. Chris Oharisi and Princess Philo Ededey were on ground to receive Olorogun Gbagi with their national leader.

 Veteran politicians, who know the gradations of the game, collectively described his early start as a masterstroke for Delta Central Senatorial district (Urhobo).  They all said it was it was vintage Gbagi.  

 Why I started early – Gbagi

 Eldest politician from Ughelli South local government area, Chief D A Obofukoro, Chief Eddie Sorhue, Dr. Nelson Ejakpovi and former Ughelli South chair, Rev Matthew Akporayen accompanied Gbagi, a criminologist, lawyer and entrepreneur during the visit.

Also in the formidable team from across the three senatorial districts were Mr. Monday Ossai, Chief Thompson Ovwere, Chief Okiemute Oviri-Okwagbe, Dr Mrs Efe Oyibo, Princess Doris Ejinyere, Elder Solomon Ala, Chief Love Okoro, Chief David Uhawha, Mr Francis Obule and Hon Edjoghene Onoseme.

 Explaining the reason for his visit, Gbagi said,  “Our governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has performed tremendously well and I came to consult you and your political family that I should be supported to take over from him to continue his good works from where he (Okowa) will stop in 2023.”

 He indicated that it was not too early for him to start the 2023 race, as some people had insinuated. His reasons:  “It was Abraham Lincoln that said ‘Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four hours sharpening the axe,’ which is what I have elected to do.”

 “Also, like Bobby Knight, who said ‘I don’t believe in luck, I believe in preparation,’ I (Gbagi) don’t wait for luck, I am an entrepreneur, I prepare for and wait for things to happen, therefore, I am doing my homework,” he added.

 Amori asked me to be gov over two decades ago

According to him, “So many years ago during the regime of former Head of State, late General Sani Abacha , you (Odidimadi) came to tell me that  you want me to be the governor of Delta state. That statement had kept haunting me though I rejected the call at the time.”

 “Indeed, I was bidding my time all these years, but today, I  have come to tell you that the instruction, the call you made during the Abacha government, I have come to claim it, now is the time, I am ready for it,” he asserted.

 He said that among the gladiators in Urhobo politics, he is better qualified and prepared to give the state a focused leadership, adding, “I know that some people are being paid to come out and vie just to cause distraction, but nobody will say this man (Gbagi) is a thief or a swindler.”

 He emphasized that he was in the race not just to contest the primary but win the governorship race in 2023 and sought the support and prayers of Amori, his political family and Urhobos generally, as he continues with his consultations round the state.

 It is true I lobbied him to be gov – Amori

Noting that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship ticket for 2023 was already “signed, sealed and delivered” to Urhobo, Senator Amori said the end of one election marks the beginning of another election. He asserted that Gbagi helped the Urhobo ethnic nationality by starting early, as that would it loud and clear to others that Urhobo was ready and would not comprise its 2023 ticket.

 Amori said, “A lot of people know of the personal relationship I have with Gbagi, he worked very hard and got rich very early and was also introduced to power and powerful people early in his life. He moved with military governors and I worked for military governors and men of power through him.”

 Confirming Gbagi’s claim that he urged him to be governor in the past, he said: “It is true that when it was time for civilian rule, I actually told him to contest for governor, even before I mentioned it to any other person because he has all the qualities needed to be governor.”

 You are a courageous man, says Odibo

Elegbete Odibo said the issue on ground was how prepared Urhobos were for 2023, saying, “It is the turn of Urhobo to produce the next governor in 2023, no Urhobo man contested with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in 2019 on the understanding that it is our turn in 2023.”

 “About a month ago, former governor of the state, Chief James Ibori called us and said we have to redeem the promise we made to our people  that in 2023, the governor of Delta state will be an Urhobo.

 “Today, we are doing the Mosogar Declaration on behalf of the Urhobo nation. We thank Olorogun Gbagi for starting at this stage, in spite of the little problem with the road, we are happy with the people that you came with across Delta state. You are a brave man, you are blazing the trail,” Odibo said.

 Akpomiemie, Overah, Idisi, Oharisi say its Gbagi time

Chief Anthony Akpomiemie said that all the communities in Ethiope West would support Gbagi’s ambition.

 On his part, Commissioner Joyce for  Overah said the Almighty has clearly ordained that Gbagi’s turn to govern Delta has come and he was happy that he came to brainstorm with their leader, Amori. He said that he visited the industrialist while he was Minister of State for Education and he gave him a warm welcome.

 Also testifying, Hon Loveth Idisi representing Ethiope East said with his zero tolerance to kidnapping and industrialization vision, he, no doubt, has the potential to be a good governor.

 Olorogun Chris Oharisi said he led Amori Associates from Ughelli North to the meeting and at the appropriate time, their leader, Amori, would direct them on what to do.

 Culmination

 The climax of the occasion was the traditional blessings and prayers by Chief Samuel Okoro, (the Ezomo of Jesse Kingdom), who entreated God to confirm Gbagi as the next governor of the state, saying, that those who did not want him to be governor should continue sleeping until he mounts the saddle. 

 Okowa doing well, Urhobo should support him

After consulting with Amori, the former Minister of State (Education), who had visited other Urhobo politicians, weekend, visited political big wigs of Udu at the country home of Chief Eddie Onosorhue. He told the political leaders that he had what it takes to industrialize the state, adding that if he achieved the much he had done with personal resources, he would far more what state resources.

 He described Governor Okowa as a detribalized Deltan, who has reinvigorated his desire to develop the state, urging Udu and other Urbobo leaders to support the governor in his quest to build a stronger Delta.

 Gbagi was also at the Sapele home of the state Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chair, Chief (Barr), Kingsley Esiso, on Sunday, where he told the party leader that he has all the qualities of a governor and was  ready to continue the excellent work Okowa was doing the state.

Prof Haalim Uche, a political analyst wrote in from Asaba

Atuma-Iga monarch decries state of insecurity in Nigeria; expresses worry over kidnapping acts in Issele-Azagba, Otulu

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State.

By Julius Ewere

 Obi of Atuma-Iga, Daniel Chukwuka Ogbudo has decried the high rate of insecurity in Nigeria following the recent attempt made on kidnapping the Iyase of Atuma-Iga community in Oshimili North Local Government Area.

Obi Ogbudo who also expressed worry over the incessant kidnapping activities around Issele-Azagba and Otulu axis of Delta State, said that his community currently lives in fear and uncertainty.

Narrating his ordeal, Chief John Onyechei, Iyase of Atuma-Iga, stated that on his return from a security meeting (PCRC) held at Asaba, while driving along Otulu/Atuma Road, he suddenly heard a gunshot from behind, looking forward were a group of men pointing at his vehicle with sophisticated Ak47 across the road, shooting sporadically while those behind were advancing toward him.

The Iyase who expressed gratitude to God for rescuing him from the hoodlums, revealed that though his vehicle was riddled with bullets, none of them penetrated his body.

Describing the appearance of the hoodlums, Mr Lasisi Ransaki, resident of Akwukwu-Igbo who also narrowly escaped being kidnapped, said that the gun men were dressed in army regalia with black mask covering their faces.

Mr Ransaki added that when he was accosted by the gun men, he diverted into a path leading to an unknown house, alighted and ran into the bush leaving his belongings in the vehicle.

He said that the hoodlums trailed his vehicle and carted away the sum of N100,000, identity card, phone and some other personal effects, saying he had reported the incident to the Police Station at Akwukwu-Igbo.

How access to information can guarantee free, fair election, by Ex-South African Electoral Chair – Nigerian Democratic Report, October 19, 2019

Ms Pansy Tlakula

Former Chairperson, Electoral Commission of South Africa, Ms Pansy Tlakula says that access to information and freedom of expression are germane to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.

“The role of the right of access to information in fostering good governance, transparency, accountability and responsiveness cannot be overemphasised. Access to information is a cross cutting right which underpins the enjoyment of other rights, in particular social, economic and  other political rights such as the right to vote,” she contends.

Delivering the keynote address at the West Africa Media Excellence Conference and Awards (WAMECA) holding in Accra, Ghana, Tlakula, also a former chairperson, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), argues that “The lack of information at all stages of the electoral process breeds distrust and lack of confidence in the process, which often poses a threat to peace, security and stability.”

“Elections can only be free, fair and credible if the electorate has access to accurate, credible and reliable information at all stages of the electoral process. Without information on a broad range of issues prior, during and after elections, the electorate cannot exercise their right to vote meaningfully.”

“The elements of the right of participation in political and public affairs include the right to vote and to be elected, the right to be consulted about public affairs and the right to be appointed to the public service. This right can only be fully realised if it is enjoyed with other rights such as the right of access to information, the right to freedom of expression, the right to freedom of assembly and association, the right to equality and equal protection of the law and the right to privacy,” the former South African Electoral Chair says.

Attempting some historical excursion, Tlakula who was a member of ACHPR since 2010 before being appointed chairperson in 2015, recalls that, upon realising the absence of a regional standard on access to information in elections in Africa, the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights adopted Guidelines on Access to Information and Elections in Africa in 2017.

“These Guidelines provide guidance on access to information in the electoral process as a means of strengthening democratic governance in Africa. The foundational principle of the Guidelines is that all key stakeholders involved in the electoral process must proactively disclose election related public information they hold without being requested to do so.

“The Guidelines require the following key stakeholders involved in the election to proactively disclose public information in order to enhance the credibility and transparency of the electoral process: Authorities responsible for appointing the Election Management Bodies, Election Management Bodies (EMBs), Political Parties and Candidates, Law Enforcement Agencies, Election Observers and Monitors, Media and online Media Platforms Providers, Media Regulatory Bodies and Civil Society Organisations.

“The Guidelines on Access to Information and Elections in Africa are the first to be developed globally and admonish the State Parties to the African Charter to incorporate them into their national laws,” she reveals.

According to Tlakula, who holds a bachelors and masters degrees in Law from the University of Witswatersrand and Harvard University respectively, “The right of participation in political and public affairs is one of the rights entrenched in a number of international and regional human rights instruments.”

At international level, the right is provided for in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) which also provides for the right of participation in political and public affairs.

On the African Continent, this right is entrenched in a number of African Union human rights instruments which include the Constitutive Act of the African Union, African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (African Charter), the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. (Democracy Charter), the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol), the African Youth Charter and the African Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (Convention on Corruption).

Also alluding to the impact of technology on elections in Africa, Tlakula, who’s now chairperson of the Information Regulator of South Africa, says, “The much talked about Fourth Industrial Revolution is embedding technology in all aspects of society in a way that has not been experienced before, including in the electoral process.”

“There is no doubt that emerging technological innovation is beginning to make a contribution to the economies of a number of countries on the Continent in general and is also improving the efficiency, effectiveness and convenience of the electoral process.”

She however says, “there is a need to reflect on the intersection between technological innovation and participatory governance, particularly as they relate to free, fair and credible elections.”

“In this regard, it is important to reflect in particular, on how the use of technology in the electoral process impacts positively or negatively on human rights such as the right to peaceful, free, fair and credible elections, the right of access to information, the right to peaceful assembly, the right to freedom of expression and the right to privacy amongst others,” Tlakula posits, stressing that “the discourse on the rights based approach to democratic elections on the African Continent has so far not included the importance of the right to privacy, in particular data privacy, in the electoral process. The reason for this might be the non recognition of the right to privacy in the African Charter.”

However, data privacy is provided for in the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Data Protection (Convention), which was adopted by the African Union in 2014. The Convention recognises the interrelationship between right of access to information and the right to privacy as it relates to the protection of personal data. This interrelationship is aptly reflected in the preamble to the Convention which stipulates that:

“…the protection of personal data and private life constitutes a major challenge to the Information Society for governments as well as other stakeholders; and that such protection requires a balance between the use of information and communication technologies and the protection of the privacy of citizens in their daily or professional lives, while guaranteeing the free flow of information,” she further explains.

Source: https://www.ndr.org.ng/how-access-to-information-can-guarantee-free-fair-election-ex-south-african-electoral-chair/