Lagos — THE Action Congress (AC) in Bayelsa State, yesterday condemned members of the House of Representatives for their refusal to pass the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill.

Mr Miriki Ebikibina, the state Secretary of the party, issued a statement in Yenagoa on the issue and described the House's position on the bill as "anti-democratic and threat to our nascent democracy."

Ebikibina said the bill, if passed, would give access to information which would enhance transparent and genuine rule of law.

"It is sad and worrisome that the bill, which would have been a vital tool for the public and media is being rejected," he said.

He said the bill, if passed into law, would help to sustain the machinery of government and enhance development and objective journalism. This, he said, would instill financial discipline among the stakeholders, public office holders and politicians.

He commended Rep Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West Federal Constituency and his colleagues for their efforts to ensure the passage of the bill.