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
What a material of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious familiarity concerning unexpected feelings.
I visited many sites except the audio feature for audio songs existing at
this website is actually marvelous.
Useful information. Fortunate me I found your site unintentionally, and I’m surprised why this coincidence didn’t happened in advance!
I bookmarked it.
Great site you have here.. It’s hard to find excellent writing like yours nowadays.
I honestly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!! https://forum.findukhosting.com/index.php?action=profile;area=summary;u=66315
I visited multiple blogs but the audio quality for audio songs present at this web site is in fact marvelous. http://www.mappery.com/user.php?name=IOTRHTSRJ
watch 15000* channel 55000+ movies 1000+ series Alll sports
BEST IPTV Subscription
With havin so much content do you ever run into any problems
of plagorism or copyright infringement? My blog has a
lot of unique content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it
is popping it up all over the internet without my authorization. Do you know any ways to help prevent content from being ripped
off? I’d truly appreciate it. https://mindvalley.kl.tis.edu.my/user/dcdsds
It’s really a great and helpful piece of information. I am satisfied that you simply shared this useful info
with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing. https://vocal.media/authors/iotrhtsrj
Hello, Neat post. There is a problem with your web site in internet explorer, would check this?
IE still is the marketplace leader and a good section of folks will leave out your great
writing due to this problem.
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this site.
I’m hoping to view the same high-grade blog posts from you in the future
as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own, personal
blog now 😉 https://myanimelist.net/profile/DCDSDS
Rinse or wipe your dog off after it has frolicked in grass or gone
for a walk, and restrict outside time throughout pollen season. Canines have different metabolisms than people
and a few foods could cause severe health complications or dying.
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my
myspace group? There’s a lot of people that I think would
really appreciate your content. Please let me know.
Thanks https://wke.lt/w/s/oZ_BzO
Appreciate this post. Will try it out. https://www.akonter.com/bookmark/%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AA%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B0%D9%87%D8%A8%D9%8A-4337610/
I think that everything typed made a ton of sense.
However, what about this? what if you were to create a killer title?
I mean, I don’t wish to tell you how to run your blog, however suppose you added a title to
maybe get folk’s attention? I mean Proactive Vigilance: How Citizens can hold their government accountable is kinda plain. You should peek at
Yahoo’s home page and watch how they write news headlines to get viewers to open the links.
You might add a video or a picture or two to grab people interested about everything’ve
written. Just my opinion, it might bring your posts a little livelier. https://anchor.fm/dcdsds/episodes/ep-e1kmi15
Hi every one, here every person is sharing such familiarity,
so it’s pleasant to read this weblog, and I used to pay a visit this webpage every day. https://www.viki.com/users/dmdimf3rfewr4_238/about
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate to
this fantastic blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and
adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this site with
my Facebook group. Chat soon!
Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site, how could i
subscribe for a blog website? The account aided me a appropriate deal.
I were tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast offered vibrant transparent idea
fantastic points altogether, you just won a logo new reader.
What might you recommend about your submit that you just made some
days in the past? Any sure?
Also visit my website; แทงหวยออนไลน์
This is a topic that is close to my heart…
Many thanks! Exactly where are your contact details though?
Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the
pictures on this blog loading? I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I needed to thank you for this excellent read!!
I certainly enjoyed every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked
to check out new things you post…
Do you have any video of that? I’d love to find out more details.
You could definitely see your skills in the work you write.
The world hopes for even more passionate writers like
you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe.
At all times follow your heart.
my web site – แทงหวยออนไลน์
I am not sure where you’re getting your information, but great topic.
I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
Thanks for fantastic information I was looking for this information for my mission.
This blog was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve
found something that helped me. Appreciate it!
I blog frequently and I really appreciate your content. The article has really peaked my interest.
I am going to take a note of your website and keep checking for
new information about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed as well.
That is really fascinating, You’re an excessively skilled blogger.
I’ve joined your feed and stay up for looking for extra of
your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks
That is really attention-grabbing, You are an overly
professional blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look ahead to in the hunt for extra of your magnificent post.
Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks
hey there and thank you for your info – I have certainly
picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise some technical issues using this site,
as I experienced to reload the site many times previous to I could get
it to load properly. I had been wondering if
your web hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will very frequently affect your placement in google and
could damage your quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords.
Anyway I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for a lot more of your respective exciting content.
Make sure you update this again very soon.
Just kidding, barely anybody struck gold. On the Mohs’ scale, which charges the hardness of gems and minerals,
gold has a ranking of 2.5 to 3. As components go, it’s rather soft so
a gold nugget can simply be scratched with a pocket knife.
Take our quiz to learn about attempting to find gems and gold.
You need to try various options and make use of the computer wisely to avoid
wasting numerous time and vitality. You do not want a super-robust
lens whenever you go gem searching, however a 10x glass will are available in useful.
Repeat this similar experiment with pyrite and it will depart a darker, greenish-black line.
Gold additionally will go away a yellow streak behind if it’s rubbed in opposition to a bit of porcelain or white ceramic tile.
All the white workers went on strike. Chinese language immigrants had
been working for lower costs than the white workers.
It offers a panoramic view of Canon City and the lower Arkansas River Valley.
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my
own blog and was curious what all is required to get set up?
I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I’m not very web smart so I’m not 100% certain. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Kudos
Hello would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re working with?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different browsers and I must say this blog loads
a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good internet hosting provider at a fair price?
Thanks, I appreciate it!
This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am truly pleassant to read
everthing at one place.
Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to
protect against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any suggestions?
This design is wicked! You most certainly know how to keep a reader
amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!)
Wonderful job. I really enjoyed what you had to say,
and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
My partner and I stumbled over here from a different web page and thought I might as well check things out.
I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to looking
into your web page for a second time.
Take a look at my website – need to sell my house Fast
Hey there! I’ve been reading your site for some time
now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from
Kingwood Tx! Just wanted to say keep up the good job!
May I just say what a relief to uncover someone who really knows what they are
talking about on the net. You definitely realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important.
More people need to read this and understand this side
of the story. I can’t believe you aren’t more popular given that you most certainly have the gift.
Quality content is the key to be a focus for the viewers to pay a quick visit the web
site, that’s what this web page is providing.
I’m excited to find this great site. I need to to thank you for ones time for this fantastic read!!
I definitely savored every part of it and i also have you book-marked to see new
stuff on your blog.
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get three emails with
the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
Thank you!
These are really wonderful ideas in regarding blogging.
You have touched some good things here. Any way keep up wrinting.
I was recommended this website by my cousin. I am not sure
whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my problem.
You’re wonderful! Thanks!
Every weekend i used to pay a quick visit this website, as i wish for
enjoyment, since this this site conations actually fastidious funny stuff too.
Make money trading opions. The minimum deposit is 10$.
Learn how to trade correctly.
How to earn from $50 to $10000 a day. The more you earn, the more profit we get.
binary options
payday loans online
Hi there, of course this post is really nice and I
have learned lot of things from it regarding blogging.
thanks.
I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I’m quite sure I will learn lots of new stuff right here!
Best of luck for the next!
Конечно же, продвижение веб-ресурса под данную поисковую машину невозможно
без проведения внутренней и внешней оптимизации сайта.
Also visit my page: раскрутка локального бизнеса
Thanks in favor of sharing such a nice opinion, paragraph is pleasant, thats why i have read it completely