Concerns have emerged over an alleged restriction on the submission of official correspondence at the Ebonyi State Government House, Centenary City, following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by the management of National Issue Newspapers seeking details of the state’s total revenue accruals between June 30, 2023, and October 2026.
The newspaper had formally requested comprehensive information on the total revenue received by the Ebonyi State Government during the period under review, citing its rights under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011. The request was subsequently followed by a pre-action notice to the state government.
However, the development has reportedly raised concerns over the accessibility of the Government House, following allegations that clerical officers have become reluctant to receive memoranda and other official documents from members of the public.
Sources at the Government House alleged that documents presented by individuals who are not government officials are increasingly subjected to restrictions, while correspondence brought by government officials reportedly undergoes preliminary scrutiny before acceptance.
The alleged development has left some visitors and members of the public stranded at the Centenary City Government House, raising questions about administrative procedures and citizens’ access to government institutions.
Although it remains unclear whether the alleged restriction was authorised by the state government or represents an administrative decision by officials at the Government House, the situation has generated concerns among individuals seeking to communicate with the government through established channels.
Meanwhile, legal consultants to National Issue Newspapers have cautioned the state government against any action capable of obstructing the lawful submission of correspondence.
The consultants maintained that government offices should remain accessible to members of the public, stressing that the issuance of a pre-action notice should not be used as justification for restricting the receipt of official documents.
They further noted that there are established legal channels through which court processes and other judicial documents can be served on the government, adding that restricting ordinary correspondence would neither prevent legal proceedings nor address the newspaper’s underlying FOI request.
The controversy has renewed discussions about transparency, accountability and the public’s constitutional right to access information concerning the management of public resources.
The Freedom of Information Act, 2011, was enacted to promote transparency in governance and strengthen accountability by granting citizens access to information held by public institutions, subject to the exemptions provided by law.
Observers maintain that public institutions have a responsibility to provide appropriate explanations regarding the generation, receipt and utilisation of public funds, particularly when legitimate requests for such information are made under the law.
As the controversy unfolds, the Ebonyi State Government is expected to clarify whether any official directive has been issued restricting the acceptance of correspondence at the Government House.
The state government is also expected to address the newspaper’s request for a comprehensive breakdown of its revenue accruals within the specified period.
At the heart of the controversy is a question that remains unanswered: How much revenue accrued to Ebonyi State between June 30, 2023, and October 2026, and will the state government make the relevant information available in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act?
