Police Service Commission x-rays implications of leaking classified government information
…As 2nd Edition of Weekly Arena of Knowledge Lecture Series holds
The second edition of the weekly ‘Arena of Knowledge ‘ lecture series of the Police Service Commission (PSC) was held Wednesday, July 17, 2024 with an x-ray of the implications of leaking classified information in Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The Arena of Knowledge lecture series, the brainchild of the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, will be held weekly on Wednesdays and is intended to promote learning and improve Knowledge of Government rules, regulations and day to day operations by Staff of the Commission, a statement by Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations, PSC said.
The Director, Human Resource management in the Commission, Aminu Malumfashi and Personal Assistant to the Chairman and former Commissioner of Police, Legal Services, CP Suleiman Balarabe Nayaya rtd, presented stimulating lectures on the topic.
Mr. Malumfashi, in his paper, traced the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act of 2011 which granted Public access to government records and information but warned that while this Act promotes transparency “it does not override the government’s authority to protect classified information essential to national security.” He noted that leaking classified information “is a separate matter governed by strict laws and regulations outside of the Act.”
Mr. Malumfashi said unauthorised leakage of sensitive official documents constitutes a felony with no defence available under either the Nigerian Constitution or the FoI Act.
He observed that leaking classified information “carries far-reaching implications that span legal, ethical, political, security and Public dimensions” adding that while some view leaks as whistle blowing that exposes wrongdoing and promotes accountability; others argue that they pose serious threats.
The Director explained that balancing transparency with the protection of sensitive information remains a complex challenge adding that “understanding this is crucial to achieve a harmonious balance in every organisation”.
CP Nayaya rtd in his own paper titled “Emergence Of Special Substantive Laws in the 21st Century on Safeguarding of Classified Information and Documents: Implications and Consequences of leakage,” traced the possible ways to prevent leakage or divulging of classified information and documents and some of the likely consequences that may affect the defaulters. He also looked into exceptions to the Rights of Access to Information in International Human Rights Treaties and Conventions.
He identified proper recruitment of employees (vetting and background checks), adequate training and development systems, observation of processes and procedures of principles of classification of classified information and documents and proper custody and care of classified information and documents amongst others.
He mentioned interdiction, suspension, dismissal or jail term as some of the likely consequences that may affect defaulters.
The retired CP legal Services noted that there are exceptions to the Right of Access to Information in the International Human Rights Treaties and Conventions. These, he said, include respect of the rights or reputation of others; protection of national security or public order, public safety, public health and public morality. Others, he noted, are preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the Judiciary; prevention, investigation and presentation of criminal activities; disciplinary investigation etc.
The Lecture Series continues next week Wednesday, July 24, 2024 with The serious issues of Cybercrime since 2015.
