Proactive Vigilance: How Citizens can hold their government accountable
Oludotun Babayemi
July 18, 2016
“Abeg, you cannot come and fix a programme that will start at 8 am on a Saturday morning, I will not be able to attend, please postpone it for another day or cancel it” responded Ijiwere to her colleagues, who wanted to visit another friend; “Let me tell you, If you want me to come for that ‘owambe’ party on Saturday, then you should let it start at 10 am” affirmed Giringori, to his friends who were planning an event for Saturday.
“Imagine, those my friend wanted to suggest 8 am as a time for that party, I totally disagreed, and told them Jigida will be aired on radio at that time, and that is the only way I can report the lack of water in Kagara” said Giringori to his elder brother – Ijiwere.
These are the kind of conversations that go on in Kagara community, with everyone looking forward to Jigida, a weekly, one – hour radio programme that allows for citizens to call – in and express their community needs, which afterwards are been documented and sent to the various local government chairmen, and State House of Representative for response and decisions to be made. That’s not all, the first 30 mins of the programme is dedicated to the Councillor of the community sharing with the community, how much and what they will be spending on in the week. This is what proactive vigilance is all about!
Although proactive vigilance or public participation in budgeting or government spending is relatively new, the evidence attesting to its impact on resource allocation and service delivery is growing. Many of the existing findings are based on the well-known Brazilian experience with participatory budgeting, established first in Porte Alegre in 1989, and now replicated in over 40 countries around the world. Nigeria, is not left out as well, as its government hopes to encourage citizen participation, with its recent commitment to joining the Open Government Partnership, a multilateral initiative that aims to secure concrete commitments from governments to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance.
You might be wondering, how many – landlord associations,vigilante groups, market women associations, community development associations, we have in rural communities. A lot of them! When are we going to start having “project vigilante” in rural communities, that will become voices of several communities, because by the time you wake up tomorrow morning, the news will be agog with “one billion dollars to be released to provide water in Kagara” only to go to Kagara after one year, you will find out that Kagara has no water source or a broken water source. Quite pathetic, and that’s is the way we are – the leaders and followers.
Nevertheless, I am excited that the Story Story writers at BBC Media Action are focusing on how citizens at the local government level, can be proactively vigilant on such issues of government spending in their communities, and I recently had some hours of session brainstorming with the crew, on how citizens can become vigilant themselves, I hope all will be reflected in their popular radio drama coming up sometimes in fall. Thanks to Nkem, our Reseach Lead on government finance, who took some notes on the highlights, and I have added them below:
Citizens can at every stage of this budget cycle engage their various government, but limited participation is expected during during formulation
- There is the local government or state government budget, a document that highlights government spending and revenue which can be for a financial year, or a multiyear.
- The Budget has its on cycle starting from formulation (when Ministry, Department, Agencies, put together their budget), to enactment (when the national or state legislative arm assent to the budget), to implementation (the stage at which contractors start executing projects in your communities), and lastly, the assessment stage (where everyone assesses the implementation of the budget, to provide feedback on how the next stage should look like)
- At every stage of the budget, citizens can make noise about their plight, and join in the conversation. They can form themselves as vigilante group or association, and always knock on the door of their local government officer or Councillor.
- They can forward a freedom of information request letter to the local government chairman to request for their budget immediately it passes the enactment stage, and even ask more question like who is the contractor, what is the work plan for the project, how much is the contractor getting, and when will the project be concluded. Here is an example of a freedom of information letter if you want to write one
- Government at the local government and state government level should starting providing platforms as well, for the assesement stage. E.g. using local radio programmes like Jigida, create a referendum mechanism for your local government area for people to have their say on projects proposed for next financial year. It should not be only during elections, that citizens see chairmen of local government or governors of states canvassing for votes.
- Like I always say, the budget is not only the means by which government declare their spending, in fact 50% – 60% of what’s on it might not be relevant. The other way is to always listen to the state news on your local radio, projects will be announced at all times, especially when they are project funded by other partners, such as the federal government or international donor agencies.
Ijiwere and Giringori have decided to do away with social gatherings, and focus on becoming a vigilante for community projects in Jigida, and if you are reading this, you should be towing same way, and you should share this piece. I look forward to the final drama series on this – If you have listened to Story Story, Voices from the Market program, then you should be more expectant. See you all in Kagara town, listening to Jigida on radio!
From left, Oludotun Babayemi, Nkem and the BBC Media Action Writers
แต่ว่าก็มีข้อหนักใจบางประการเกี่ยวกับคาสิโน บางบุคคลแย้งว่าคาสิโนมีส่วนก่อให้เกิดการติดการพนันรวมทั้งปัญหาสังคม เช่น อาชญากรรมและหนี้ที่เกี่ยวเนื่องกับการเดิมพัน ผู้อื่นปะทะคารมว่าคาสิโนเป็นลักษณะของการปกป้องคุ้มครองผู้บริโภครวมทั้งควรได้รับการควบคุมเพื่อคุ้มครองผู้ซื้อสล็อตแมชชีนเป็นเลิศในเกมคาสิโนยอดนิยมสูงที่สุดในโลก สล็อตแมชชีนมีมาตั้งแต่สมัยแรกๆของคาสิโน
This is my first time go to see at here and i am really pleassant to read everthing at single place.
I’ve bookmarked your site, and I’m adding your RSS feeds to
my Google account.
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find thos topic to be really something thatt I think I would never understand.
It seems too complex and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post,
I’ll try to get the hang BaseTools | Buy All Types of Tools – Login it!
continuously i used to read smaller posts that also
clear their motive, and that is also happening with this aticle which I am reading here.
my blog post; BaseTools | Buy All Types of Tools – Login
I do not even know the way I stopped up here, but I believed this post
was good. I don’t understand who you might be but definitely
you’re going to a well-known blogger in case you are not already.
Cheers!
Nice post. I learn something totally new
and challenging on sites I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It will always be useful
to read through articles from other authors and use something from other web sites.
This is a topic that is near to my heart…
Thank you! Exactly where are your contact details though?
I like what yⲟu guys are uup too. Suuch clever work andd exposure!
Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve you guys to my blogroll. https://128.199.215.164/
Very nice post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wished to mention that I have truly enjoyed ssurfing around your weblog posts.
In any case I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I’m hoping you writge again very soon!
web page
Superb, what a weblog it is! This website gives helpful facts to us, keep it up.
It’s going to be end of mine day, except before finish I am reading this enormous paragraph to increase my experience.
Hurrah, that’s what I was looking for, what a information! existing here at this website,
thanks admin of this website.
Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a
blog article or vice-versa? My blog goes over a lot of the same topics as yours and I
believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you happen to be
interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail. I look
forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog by the way!
I think this is among the most vital information for me. And i am glad reading your article.
But wanna remark on some general things, The website style is perfect,
the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers
What’s up everyone, it’s my first pay a visit at this website, and piece of writing is really fruitful in favor of me,
keep up posting such content.
That is really interesting, You are a very professional blogger.
I have joined your rss feed and look forward to looking for more of your wonderful post.
Additionally, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks
Hey! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would
be ok. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new
updates.
Feel free to surf to my web-site Watch WANZ-692 I Was Caught In The Night When My Disliking Father-in-law Passed Me Asakura
Excellent web site. Lots of helpful information here.
I am sending it to some pals ans additionally sharing in delicious.
And of course, thanks on your effort!
My web page … Nonton Download Drama Korea Subtitle Indonesia Gratis Online – DramaID
สล็อตแมชชีนมักจะนับว่ามีความเปลี่ยนแปลงน้อยกว่าเกมบนโต๊ะ และก็ยังเป็นที่ชื่นชอบในหมู่ผู้เล่นที่ไม่สนใจเดิมพันเงินเยอะๆสล็อตแมชชีนมีข้อดีเหนือเกมบนโต๊ะหลายประการ ประการแรก พวกมันชอบเล่นได้เร็วขึ้น ซึ่งทำให้ผู้เล่นที่รีบร้อนสนุกเพิ่มขึ้น
ประการที่สอง สล็อตแมชชีนมักจะตั้งอยู่ในพื้นที่ที่ผู้เล่นชอบใช้เวลามากมาย ซึ่งทำให้ผู้เล่นมีโอกาสเข้าชมเพิ่มมากขึ้น สุดท้าย สล็อตแมชชีนมักจะใช้งานได้ง่ายยิ่งกว่าโต๊ะ
What’s up mates, pleasant article and fastidious arguments commented
at this place, I am truly enjoying by these.
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest
twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog
and I look forward to your new updates.
I have to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this site.
I’m hoping to see the same high-grade content from you later on as well.
In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated me
to get my own, personal blog now 😉
Hi colleagues, how is everything, and what you would like to say concerning this piece of
writing, in my view its genuinely awesome in support of me.
Hello! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would
be ok. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to
new updates.
Hello there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your
content. Please let me know. Many thanks
If you would like to obtain much from this piece of writing then you have to apply these methods to your won website.
Rent a dedicated server from $50 per month. Data center
in Europe. Gigabit channel, unlimited traffic. VPS from $15.
Crypto payment.
dedicated server protection
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? This paragraph posted at
this web site is actually fastidious.
Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; we have created some nice methods and we are looking to exchange solutions with others, why
not shoot me an email if interested.
It’s hard to find well-informed people for this subject, however, you sound like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple ipad and tested to see
if it can survive a 40 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad
is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is completely off topic but I
had to share it with someone!
If you are going for finest contents like myself, only
pay a quick visit this web site everyday because it gives quality contents,
thanks
Val Kilmer as Admiral Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, a fellow instructor and friend/former rival
of Maverick, and the commander of the U.S.
Useful info. Fortunate me I discovered your website by chance, and I’m stunned
why this twist of fate didn’t came about earlier! I bookmarked it.
I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as no one
else know such detailed about my problem. You’re incredible!
Thanks!
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here frequently.
I’m quite sure I will learn many new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!
สล็อตแมชชีนเป็นแบบการเดิมพันที่มักถูกเห็นว่าเป็นความเพลิดเพลินแบบหนึ่ง พวกเขามักจะได้รับการออกแบบให้ดึงดูดสายตา รวมทั้งเสียงของเครื่องจักรก็ชอบบันเทิงใจ สล็อตแมชชีนสามารถเสพติดได้ รวมทั้งเป็นสิ่งจำเป็นสำหรับผู้เล่นที่จะต้องตระหนักถึงความเสี่ยงที่เกี่ยวเนื่องสำหรับการเล่น
Tremendous things here. I am very satisfied to look your article.
Thanks so much and I’m taking a look ahead
to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a mail?
Remarkable! Its truly remarkable post, I have got much clear idea on the topic of
from this piece of writing.
I truly love your blog.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you build this amazing site yourself?
Please reply back as I’m hoping to create my own website and would like to find out where you got this from or just what the theme is named.
Appreciate it!
Feel free to visit my web blog :: zakarianul01
Simply desire to say your article is as astonishing.
The clearness to your submit is simply cool and i can think you are knowledgeable on this
subject. Well together with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to stay updated with impending post.
Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work.
I seriously love your website.. Very nice colors & theme.
Did you create this amazing site yourself? Please reply back as I’m
looking to create my own personal blog and would love to know where you got this
from or exactly what the theme is called. Kudos!
Pretty! This was a really wonderful post. Many thanks for
providing this info.
Looking great work dear, I really appreciated to you on this quality work.
Nice post!! these tips may help me for future.
I just like the helpful info you provide on your articles.
I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly.
I am moderately sure I’ll be told a lot of new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!
Also visit my webpage … RUAY
Hmm it appears like your site ate my first comment (it
was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your
blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything.
Do you have any tips and hints for rookie blog writers?
I’d genuinely appreciate it.
วันนี้วันสุข พี่เนาสุดสวย สวยสุด สวยที่สุดในโลกเลย
Hi, I do think this is an excellent website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I’m going to
revisit once again since I bookmarked it. Money
and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you
be rich and continue to guide others.
That is very attention-grabbing, You are an overly professional blogger.
I’ve joined your feed and look ahead to in search of more of your magnificent post.
Also, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks