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
Одной из самых популярных азартных видеоигр из категории аркад
по праву считается aviator mostbet.
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find almost all of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for.
Would you offer guest writers to write content for you?
I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you
write in relation to here. Again, awesome weblog!
my web-site buy now pay later catalogs
Hmm it looks like your blog ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it
up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the whole thing.
Do you have any recommendations for inexperienced blog
writers? I’d certainly appreciate it.
Feel free to visit my webpage item469517488
I believe this is one of the most important info for
me. And i am satisfied studying your article.
But wanna remark on some basic issues, The site style is perfect,
the articles is truly nice : D. Excellent activity, cheers
my webpage: Steel buildings Overview
Howdy! 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 recommendations? https://wakelet.com/wake/9kALzZ3eJiDHlAfE833zq
Very good blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers?
I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are
so many choices out there that I’m completely overwhelmed ..
Any ideas? Cheers!
Make-up: 100% pure Moringa Oleifera leaves.
my web-site … top facial plastic surgeons in new jersey
I bｅlieve thks web site contains vеry wonderfcul pеnt content content.
Esl blog editing websites for phd http://cosynt.com/411estatest/members/kevinglider2/activity/113112/
This occasionally manifests in the kind of desires.
Also visit my web blog – Bookmarks
Hi there, You’ve done an excellent job. I’ll certainly digg it and for my part recommend to my friends.
I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this website.
Feel free to visit my site kansas steel buidlings
Hi, all the time i used to check weblog posts here in the early hours in the daylight, since i enjoy to find
out more and more.
Here is my web blog – steel storage buildings
Your means of telling everything in this piece of writing is
actually nice, all can simply understand it, Thanks a lot.
my homepage buy now pay later catalogs
Your mode of telling all in this article is genuinely pleasant, every one be able to easily be aware of it,
Thanks a lot.
Also visit my homepage payday loan
Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google,
and found that it is truly informative. I am going
to watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this in future.
Lots of people will be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!
Also visit my web-site: Small Business
Can I simply just say what a relief to find somebody that truly understands what
they’re discussing on the melbourne fl web design.
You actually know how to bring a problem to light
and make it important. More people need to look at this and understand this side of the story.
I was surprised you are not more popular given that you certainly possess
the gift.
Interesting blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from
somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple adjustements
would really make my blog stand out. Please let me know where you got your theme.
Thanks a lot
Terrific work! This is the kind of information that are supposed to be shared around the
internet. Shame on the seek engines for now not positioning
this publish upper! Come on over and visit my site .
Thank you =)
Feel free to surf to my website :: social media marketing melbourne florida
Hi, constantly i used to check webpage posts here in the early hours in the break
of day, as i like to find out more and more.
My web blog :: Building barn
Howdy! 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. Many thanks https://www.vingle.net/posts/4785092
Heya superb blog! Does running a blog like this require a massive amount work?
I have no knowledge of programming however I was hoping to start my own blog
in the near future. Anyways, if you have any suggestions
or tips for new blog owners please share. I understand this is off topic but I simply wanted to ask.
Thanks a lot!
This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am really impressed to read everthing at
one place.
My web-site Consultant
Hi there, You’ve performed an incredible job. I’ll definitely digg it and individually suggest to my friends.
I am sure they will be benefited from this website.
Also visit my web site; metal siding
Remarkable! Its actually amqzing paragraph, I
have got much clear idea aboujt from this post.
Hey! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone 3gs!
Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog
and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the outstanding work!
Hey very cool website!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Amazing ..
I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally?
I’m satisfied to find a lot of helpful information here in the publish, we’d
like develop extra techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing.
. . . . .
I’m no longer positive where you are getting your info,
however good topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or working out more.
Thank you for wonderful information I used to be in search of this information for my mission.
My page: buy now pay later furniture
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all
is needed to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours
would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet smart
so I’m not 100% certain. Any recommendations
or advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks
Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It in truth was a entertainment account it.
Look advanced to more brought agreeable from you!
However, how can we be in contact? https://gotartwork.com/Profile/vape443-shop/170478/
At this time it seems like WordPress is the best blogging platform out there right now.
(from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your
blog?
my blog post metal storage shed plans
Keep on writing, great job!
Also visit my web-site :: web design melbourne fl
%%
Feel free to visit my web page; play casino Online [dropdeadinteractive.Com]
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it
seems as though you relied on the video to make
your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why
waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you
could be giving us something enlightening to read?
Here is my website – buy now pay later appliances
Outstanding info over again! I am looking forward for more updates:)
Check out my homepage; kit building
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about how to activate viber in saudi arabia.
Regards https://stemedhub.org/members/18064/profile
A fascinating discussion is worth comment. There’s no doubt that that you need to write more on this subject matter,
it might not be a taboo subject but usually people do not speak about such subjects.
To the next! Cheers!!
My homepage … web design melbourne fl
each time i used to read smaller content that also clear their motive, and that is also happening with this paragraph which I am reading here.
Here is my web site: Small Business
Great delivery. Sound arguments. Keep up the great effort.
Feel free to visit my blog post – item469509184 (Deana)
This often shows up in the kind of dreams.
Feel free to surf to my page – islamic dream interpretation ibn sirin
Hi there, You have performed an excellent job. I’ll definitely digg it and personally
suggest to my friends. I’m confident they will
be benefited from this web site.
Also visit my web blog – pole metal
I am extremely impressed together with your writing talents as well as with
the format on your weblog. Is that this a
paid topic or did you customize it your self? Either way keep up the excellent high quality writing, it is rare to see
a great weblog like this one today..
Review my page :: payday loan
I constantly emailed this weblog post page to all my contacts, since if like to read it after that my
links will too.
Feel free to visit my homepage … sambaprno
What’s up, every time i used to check blog posts here in the early hours
in the break of day, as i like to learn more and more.
My blog post; portable buildings
I simply could not depart your website before suggesting that I really loved the standard info a person supply for your visitors?
Is gonna be again ceaselessly to investigate cross-check new posts
Feel free to surf to my page … payday loans online
Online poker
Hmm it seems like your website ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess
I’ll just sum it up what I submitted and say,
I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog writer but
I’m still new to everything. Do you have any tips and hints for inexperienced
blog writers? I’d definitely appreciate it.
Stop by my homepage … best pole steel
Composition: 100% pure Moringa Oleifera leaves.
Feel free to visit my site :: top 10 new jersey plastic surgeons
Amazing! Its actually amazing article, I have got much clear idea on the topic of from this article.
Composition: 100% pure Moringa Oleifera leaves.
My web blog … new jersey board certified plastic surgeons