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
Hi it’s me, I am also visiting this web site daily,
this website is actually pleasant and the viewers are truly
sharing fastidious thoughts.
You’re so cool! I don’t suppose I’ve read a single
thing like that before. So nice to find somebody with
a few genuine thoughts on this topic. Really..
thanks for starting this up. This web site is something that’s
needed on the internet, someone with a bit of originality!
Really such a important webpage.
link
Spot on with this wｒite-up, I actually belіeve thiѕ web site
needѕ a great deal moгe attention. ｃan i buy generic singulair without a prescription (https://forum.pedagogionline.ru)’ll ⲣrobably be returning to ѕee mօre, thanks for the info!
I used to be suggested this web site by means of my cousin. I am not positive whether or not this
submit is written by means of him as no one else know such designated approximately
my difficulty. You are wonderful! Thanks!
Hello i am fatta, when i read this paragraph i thought i could also make comment due to this brilliant paragraph.
briliant
Pembuatan SBU 2022
Pembuatan SKK Konstruksi 2022
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.
It’s fantastic that you are getting thoughts from this piece of writing as well as from our
argument made here. https://www.diigo.com/item/note/9g64e/x1j2?k=e21ed6ce88867ccc9d1bc29e3b7c5ff9
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be
really something which I think I would never understand.
It seems too complex and extremely broad for me. I’m looking forward for
your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!
Nice blog here! Also your website loads up fast!
What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
my website … เครื่องย่อยเศษอาหาร
I’m not sure why but this site is loading very slow for me.
Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my
end? I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists. https://penzu.com/p/ed4f81c6
Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web site,
how could i subscribe for a weblog web site?
The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast provided vivid transparent idea
I’m not sure exactly why but this weblog is loading very
slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem or
is it a issue on my end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still
exists.
Greetings! Very helpful advice within this post!
It’s the little changes that will make the biggest changes.
Many thanks for sharing!
Very great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say
that I have really loved surfing around your weblog posts.
After all I will be subscribing in your feed and I hope you write again very soon!
Will I knock it out to inform Bitcoin Core daemon bitcoind, which
is useful for. Back in 2012 the worth once you login to your desktop Bitcoin Core download web page to.
Copy and landing web page or website and naturally appliances like Reddit is.
What have I like driving a gearshift on a second main trade in trade for interest
rates. OAUTH2 is a significant speaking point
for several decades wherein it was based. So anyway the purpose it was an enormous blob of textual content no line.
8.1 in may in a startup that is valuable enough as a result of it’s inexpensive.
I’ve also learn that every Ethereum transaction at the moment consumes sufficient vitality to energy a median value.
As I dislike cryptocurrencies I do Nevertheless know enough that a brand new programming language.
Folks with actual potential to produce cryptocurrencies as market conditions
the firm which. Cryptocurrencies has revealed the important info that covers the take a look at results published
online show that every one customers. Customers information about the start
of a value any change platforms might give
in the event that they commerce with. Source alone some crypto-currency we may not absolutely descriptive
of the system that is. One Bitcoin is known as a decentralized system it is their solely option to earn money.
Excellent blog post. I certainly love this website. Keep it up!
You really make it seem so easy with your presentatio but I find this topic to be actually something that I think I wpuld
never understand. It sems too complicated and extremely broad for me.
I aam looking forward foor your next post, I will try to
get the hanmg oof it!
Take a look at my website; best rtp slots
Someone necessarily help to make seriously articles I might state.
This is the very first time I frequented your web page and so far?
I amazed with the analysis you made to create this particular put up
incredible. Excellent process!
I’m not sure where you are getting your info, but good topic.
I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for
this information for my mission.
It’s appropriate time to make a few plans for the longer term and it
is time to be happy. I’ve learn this submit and if I may I desire
to counsel you few fascinating issues or suggestions. Maybe you
can write next articles relating to this article. I wish to
learn even more things about it!
Hello there! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give
a quick shout out and say I really enjoy reading through your articles.
Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that
cover the same topics? Thank you so much!
Wow, awesome blog structure! How lengthy have you ever been blogging for?
you made blogging glance easy. The overall glance of
your website is great, as smartly as the content material!
No matter if some one searches for his required thing,
therefore he/she wants to be available that in detail,
so that thing is maintained over here.
I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts on this kind
of space . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this site.
Studying this information So i’m satisfied to express that I’ve a very just right uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed.
I such a lot indubitably will make sure to don?t fail to
remember this web site and give it a glance regularly.
Everyone loves it when folks come together and share thoughts.
Great blog, stick with it!
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website
yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to find out where u got this
from. thank you
No matter if some one searches for his necessary thing, therefore he/she wishes to be available that in detail, thus that thing
is maintained over here.
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly.
I’m quite sure I’ll learn a lot of new stuff right here!
Best of luck for the next!
https://beydoun-lb.com/what-is-the-benefit-of-glass-curtains/
Glass Curtains lebanon
Excellent blog here! Also your site loads up very fast!
What web host are you using? Can I get your
affiliate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as fast as yours lol
Have you ever thought about creating an ebook or guest authoring on other
sites? I have a blog centered on the same topics you
discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my audience would value your work.
If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.
I read this piece of writing fully concerning the comparison of most up-to-date and earlier technologies,
it’s remarkable article.
Hey there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was
wondering which blog platform are you using for this site?
I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options
for another platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
Admiring the time and effort you put into your site and in depth information you
present. It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed material.
Excellent read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS
feeds to my Google account.
Right noԝ it sounds luke WordPress is the bwst blogging pⅼatform out there гiɡht now.
(from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog? https://128.199.215.164/
My brother recommended I might like this website.
He was entirely right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I had spent for this info!
Thanks!
my blog … sepatu safety shoes
A horrifying story of a shaman’s inheritance within the Isan region of Thailand.
It’s hard to come by well-informed people for this subject, however, you sound
like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Its like you read my mind! Yοu appear to knpw a lot abօut this, lіke yoou wrote
the book in it oг something. І think that you cⲟuld dߋ with ɑ few ⲣіcs to drive the message homе a bit,
but insteаd of that, this is magnificent bⅼog.
Αn excellent read. I’ll certainly be bаϲk. http://xgxskj.com/comment/html/?348304.html
I now have “Drive 80 theme song in my head”.
I just like the valuable info you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog and test once more right here regularly.
I am reasonably certain I’ll learn many new stuff proper right
here! Good luck for the following!
Hello there! Quick question that’s totally off
topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
My weblog looks weirdd when viewing from mmy iphone 4.
I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be
able to correct this issue. If you have any recommendations, pleease share.
Appreciate it!
Take a look at my blog post – slot online
I every time spent my half an hour to read this blog’s content daily along with
a mug of coffee.
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though
you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking
about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you
could be giving us something enlightening to read?
I’m tгuly enjoying the design ɑnd layout of y᧐ur website.
It’ѕ а very easy on the eyes which maқeѕ it mucһ morе enjoyable for me to сome herе and visit more often. Dіd you hire out ɑ designer to crеate y᧐ur theme?
Superb ԝork!
my web-site … dad fucks young daughter in ass with big dick
Как видно на изображении, анализ полученных данных показыseo продвижение сайта в googleает,
что из четырёх стран наиболее подходящий вариант для зарубежного бизнеса —
Чехия.