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
We offer a 7 day service and present residence and clinic appointments.
Also visit my blog post; What is Swedish massage (Dylan)
Hi there! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.
Is it very hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out
pretty quick. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to
start. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Cheers
It’s going to be ending of mine day, but before finish I am reading this impressive paragraph to improve my experience.
I’ve been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles
or blog posts on this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this site.
Studying this info So i’m happy to convey that I have a very good uncanny feeling I came
upon just what I needed. I such a lot unquestionably will make sure
to do not fail to remember this site and give it a glance regularly.
Nice replies in return of this difficulty with genuine arguments and telling the whole
thing concerning that.
my web blog … website (Suzanne)
Spin Ⲣalace Casino – With over 100 games pick out from, Spіn Palace truly is a gamеrs
somewherｅ warm. Tһey are especially famous for
their slots and poker tɑbles. Their video poker selectіon can be excellent,
uѕing а selection of ѕtandard and power games, as well as numｅrous 10 play games.
Customers can access their credit score at any time,
can be especiallｙ handy should a dispute arise (which is unlikely).
Microgaming softwɑre рrovides excellent graphics and
ѕound, and players cаn take a look at site
in 4 different languages (as well as gamble in 4 different
curгencies).
Firstly whiⅼe you join your casino online, you’ⅼl be entitled for yоu to some no deposit bonus oг some other қind of fｒeе play welcome systｅm.
The ᴠery moment you have those credits in your account, you
have prepаre үour mind to think inside a treats those credits most notably the real fаctor.
There are lots of different internet caѕinos to select from and are usually ⅽasіno
website like perform live gamеs you cɑn do just
that may. When you ρlay theѕe lіνe casino games it’s juѕt like being in the casino.
you get live streaming video, you will chat with other players, you can even hear the dealer as they she goes about
their business at the table. It’s lots of fun.
Basiϲally, you’ll find two ҝinds оf online casino: one an indiѵidual download free software application to youг
computer; and the other in gamble а good actuɑl website.
Do choose one that gives the real casino-type atmosphеre, this means you еnjoy playing.
Check out h᧐w the casino site is rɑted before pick one
out. Check if there also been any complaints abоut its payout ѕуstem and
how helpfᥙl their staff is without a doubt.
The next way to ѕhop foг old casino poker сhips when having to
shop in one Ƅudget is check out local thrift stores in your neighboгhood.
Goodwill and similar forms of stores in the neіghborhood may juѕt have some antique
chips hanging out with a high quaⅼity price tag on them!
Many collectors have been able to land some awesome deals by simply indulging in stores that give attentіon to selling used items.
Chances are that bʏ doing this tօ consider the samе pores and ѕkin deals!
The merits of a best online ϲasino does not giνe
thе vexatіon of travｅling loads to take chance.
Though famous and pluѕh, thｅ Casinos of Las vеgas are not easily reached by
ɑ great many. online gаmbling is poѕѕible with the touch of tһe finger additiоnally do n’t need to journey at all looking for your best onlіne caѕino to play.
Tһe next important factor to weigh is permit moneｙ managemеnt ᴡhile
component. Before you sit on personal computer
and ⅼog on to your online ϲasino acсount, you must
set whɑtever iѕ lost and ѡin limits. Setting these limits is vіtal because your current be your indіcation tһat needeԁ to be alrеaԀy opportunity tо cash out and stop
pⅼaying. The loss limit is the amount of maximum loss whicһ you are wіlling
dangеr. When you reach this limit ｙou should immｅdiately stop playing to prevent yourself
from having more losѕes. On the оther guitaг hand, the win limit is the sum yoᥙ ѕet
tһat indicates until how the satisfied when win. Setting the wіn limit is a nice way of prevеnting yourseⅼf from losing more money and increasеs yoսr
next bankroll.
my webpaɡe: akbet [Freda]
Simply wish to say your article is as astonishing. The
clarity on your publish is simply spectacular and that i can suppose you’re knowledgeable on this subject.
Well together with your permission allow me to take hold of your feed to stay
updated with approaching post. Thanks a million and please keep up the gratifying work.
%%
Also visit my website – Spf Moisturiser For Men
hi!,I like your writing so a lot! proportion we communicate extra about your article on AOL?
I need a specialist on this house to unravel my problem.
Maybe that is you! Looking ahead to see you.
Thanks intended for offering this type of superior write-up.
link
Jadi bagi anda yang senang bermain slot online dengan deposit pulsa tanpa potongan, harus tau nama – nama
dari situs slot online yang dermawan ini.
Bagi kalian yang ingin daftar slot deposit pulsa indosat online
terpercaya dapat dikunjungi RANSSLOT88 dimana menjadi salah satu brand terbesar mengenai bandar slot
online. Pastikan kalian tidak membuat keputusan yang salah dan jangan sampai mendapatkan sebuah kekalahan. Mudahnya bermain slot dengan modal pulsa mendorong para bandar judi online untuk membuat
aturan yang ketat, mengekang dan kadang tidak masuk akal seperti kelakuan doi saat datang bulan.
Everything is very open with a clear clarification of the challenges.
It was truly informative. Your website is very useful.
Thank you for sharing!
Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your web site, how could i subscribe for a blog web site?
The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny
bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea
My website – payday loans online
Excellent blog right here! Also your web site lots
up very fast! What web host are you the usage of? Can I am getting your affiliate link to
your host? I want my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol.
Also visit my web blog :: Deposit Bonuses
Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice even as you amend your web site,
how can i subscribe for a weblog web site? The account helped me a applicable deal.
I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided vivid transparent concept
Feel free to surf to my website – seo agency melbourne fl
A common dosage is 30 mg of THC gummies for anxiety in one bag of product.
Those insights can do extra than just inform
marketing strategy.
Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed!
Very useful info specifically the closing section 🙂
I handle such info much. I was looking for this certain information for
a very long time. Thanks and best of luck.
Great beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog web site?
The account aided me a appropriate deal. I had been tiny bit familiar
of this your broadcast offered vibrant transparent idea
Also visit my blog post … 바둑이사이트
I always emailed this weblog post page to all my friends,
because if like to read it then my links will
too.
Feel free to surf to my homepage – payday loans
I am genuinely thankful to the owner of this web site who has shared this impressive
post at at this time.
Also visit my blog – สาระน่ารู้ทั่วไป
کاربرد پارافین مایع صنعتی
It’ѕ amazing to ցo to ѕee this website ɑnd redading tһe
views оf all mates сoncerning tһis piece of writing, ѡhile I am aⅼso keen of
getting know-how.
There is certainly a great deal to know about this issue.
I like all the points you made.
Many users don’t distinguish between normal and boosted posts on social media.
Wow, this paragraph is good, my sister is analyzing such things,
thus I am going to let know her.
Keep on working, great job!
Wonderful goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff
previous to and you are just too magnificent. I actually like what you’ve
acquired here, really like what you are stating and the way
in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart.
I can’t wait to read much more from you. This is actually a great site.
my page social media marketing melbourne florida
Thanks for another informative blog. The
place else could I am getting that type of information written in such a perfect
manner? I’ve a challenge that I am just now working on, and I’ve been on the glance
out for such information.
Also visit my web page; Keto GMY BHB Gummies
This paragraph provides clear idea for the new users of blogging, that in fact how
to do running a blog.
Here is my web-site – wujekfranek.pl
THC isolate is pure THC, without other cannabinoids.
my website Bookmarks
I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This piece of writing posted at this website
is genuinely good.
1. Do some research on numerous THC Gummies France products.
Di sini anda bisa coba seluruhnya permainan slots secara tidak sama.
Selain itu, bila anda bergabung ke situs judi Idn slots, karena itu ada banyak keuntungan yang bisa
anda dapatkan. Berikut keuntungan main di web judi slots terpercaya dan terbesar.
Kini gak perlu curiga untuk bermain judi online seperti slots IDN.
Lantaran di dalamnya banyak pula model permainan yang bisa anda coba.
Baik itu judi poker, domino serta type permainan yang lain. Lebih jelasnya anda bisa memainkan permainan sesuai kesukaan semasing.
Buat anda yang mau memulai permainan itu, bisa melalui situs kami.
Tentunya pihak kami benar-benar diakui dan jadi rujukan terbaik hingga sekarang ini.
Bahkan sampai waktu ini kami mendapat banyak posisi positif dari kelompok-kelompok
waktu permainkan slots IDN melalui situs yang kami siapkan.
%%
Look at my web-site; best cream night
What’s up to all, the contents existing at this website;
astar.uldesign17.co.kr,
are really amazing for people knowledge, well, keep up the
good work fellows.
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the
book in it or something. I think that you can do with a few pics to drive
the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is excellent
blog. A great read. I’ll certainly be back.
My webpage :: buy now pay later catalogs
A regular dose is 30 mg of THC in one bag of product.
my homepage :: Bookmarks (Kyle)
Thank you, I have just been searching for info approximately
this topic for a while and yours is the greatest I have came upon so far.
However, what about the conclusion? Are you positive concerning the source?
Feel free to surf to my web page – december calendar 2022 printable
Greetings! I know this is kind of off topic but I
was wondering if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form?
I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having trouble finding one?
Thanks a lot!
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be
really something that I think I would never understand.
It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking
forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!
Also visit my blog post; social media marketing melbourne florida
Hello Dear, are you genuinely visiting this web page
regularly, if so then you will without doubt get good experience.
Also visit my web-site; buy now pay later appliances
%%
Have a look at my webpage; Best Day Cream
Not to mention the range of various THC products.
my web blog :: item463756222
Exceptional post but I was wanting to know if you could
write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very grateful if you
could elaborate a little bit further. Bless
you!
My relatives all the time say that I am killing my time here at web, but I know I am getting familiarity all the time by
reading thes good content.
Also visit my web blog: CashOfferPlease
I believe everything said was actually very logical.
But, what about this? what if you were to create a killer headline?
I mean, I don’t want to tell you how to run your website, however suppose you added a title to possibly grab
people’s attention? I mean Proactive Vigilance: How Citizens can hold their government accountable is kinda plain.
You could glance at Yahoo’s front page and see how they create article headlines to grab viewers to open the links.
You might try adding a video or a picture or two to get readers interested about what you’ve got to say.
Just my opinion, it would bring your blog a little livelier.
Here is my blog … payday loans
First off I would like to say superb blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you do not mind.
I was interested to know how you center yourself and clear your thoughts prior to writing.
I have had difficulty clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out there.
I do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally wasted simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or hints?
Thank you!
Engineering intern sample cover letter https://farangmart.co.th/author/frownchurch0/
If you arre going for best contents like I do, only pay a visit this site
daily since iit gives quality contents, thanks