The Code Of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has noted that the Bureau cannot reveal the asset form of citizens as it runs contrary to the constitution which guarantees and protects the privacy of citizens.
The CCB hinged it’s argument on the premise that section 37 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which guarantees and protects the privacy of citizens, their correspondence and telegraphic communications amongst others.
The Bureau was responding to a request by Barry Benedict Ezeagu, the national coordinator, SNG, on the freedom of Information request on the declaration of properties, assets and liabilities of some public officers.
Responding to the request , Ijeanuli Arinze on behalf of the Chairman, said that section 1(1),3 and 4 of the Freedom of information Act 2011 guarantees the right of a person to access or request information whether or not in written form,in the custody of any public agency.
He noted that by virtue of sections 12(1)(a)(v), 14(1)(b) and 15(1)(a) of the same act, the Bureau is not under any obligation to grant any requests which constitutes invasion of personal privacy.
Assets declaration by public officers, she maintained contain such personal information which falls within the exemptions to the disclosure of Information in the FOIA.
