A non-governmental organisation, the Global Peace Development (GPD) has called for the passage of the Delta State Whistleblower Protection Bill 2024, describing it as a vital tool for strengthening transparency, accountability, and security in the state and Nigeria at large.
Executive Director of GPD, Mr. Ebruke Esike, made this known in Asaba during a one-day training organised for media practitioners and social media influencers.
Esike explained that the bill, if passed into law, would guarantee protection for citizens who volunteer information on corruption, misuse of public funds, or acts threatening public safety.
He stressed that the measure would encourage Deltans to come forward without fear of intimidation or reprisal.
According to him, “The whistleblower protection bill will mitigate insecurity in Delta and even restore nightlife in the state. It is designed to promote transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
“We believe the media, as great actors in community development, can play a key role in making the bill work.”
He further noted that the proposed law was not just about volunteers but about creating visibility and assurance for every Deltan to freely provide credible information, adding that verified reports would contribute economic value to the state.
“The economy benefits if you report properly and it turns out to be true,” Esike said.
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“But if you provide false information just to victimise someone, there will be consequences.”
Esike revealed that the Whistleblower Protection Bill is a follow-up to the Public Finance Management Bill, which was signed into law under the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, during his tenure as speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.
He added that GPD and other stakeholders were pushing for its passage into law to institutionalise citizen participation in governance, ensure better financial accountability, and build public trust.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, Mr. Churchill Oyowe, lauded the training, describing it as timely and impactful.
He said the bill, when passed, would not only strengthen good governance but also provide journalists with stronger legal backing to pursue investigative reporting without fear.
Similarly, the Chairman of the NUJ Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr. Ifeanyi Olanye, urged journalists to take advantage of the enlightenment session, stressing that the media must remain proactive in advocating for the passage of the bill.
He noted that whistleblower protection was essential in fighting corruption and safeguarding democracy.
