Proactive Vigilance: How Citizens can hold their government accountable

“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:

Follow The Money

Citizens can at every stage of this budget cycle engage their various government, but limited participation is expected during during formulation

  1. 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.
  2. 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)
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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

                                                                                From left, Oludotun Babayemi, Nkem and the BBC Media Action Writers

 

AboutOludotun Babayemi
Oludotun Babayemi is a Monitoring and Evaluation Expert with over 10 years of Experience. He is a Stanford University Center on Democracy, development and Rule of Law (CDDRL) and the Co-Founder of CODE/Follow The Money. His area of Interest is Governance and Citizen Participation in Sub-Saharan Africa;

Comments (33427)

  1. September 25, 2022

    Everything is very open with a clear clarification of the issues.
    It was definitely informative. Your site is extremely helpful.
    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  2. September 25, 2022

    Pretty nice post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wished to mention that I’ve really loved browsing your blog posts.

    After all I will be subscribing for your feed and I hope you write once more
    soon!

    Check out my website … Sunwin

    Reply
  3. September 25, 2022

    I think this is among the most vital information for me.
    And i’m happy studying your article. But wanna observation on few basic issues, The website taste is
    wonderful, the articles is actually nice : D.
    Just right process, cheers https://issuu.com/marketing989

    Reply
  4. September 25, 2022

    %%

    Feel free to surf to my website … Oracle Netsuite Consultancy

    Reply
  5. September 25, 2022

    I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? This piece
    of wrikting posted at this web site is realply pleasant.

    website

    Reply
  6. September 25, 2022

    %%

    Take a look at my web-site :: top Netsuite Consultants

    Reply
  7. September 25, 2022

    %%

    Also visit my blog post :: Best cbd balm uk

    Reply
  8. It supplies natural vitamins, minerals and also protein.

    Here is my homepage … Best New Jersey Plastic Surgeons

    Reply
  9. September 25, 2022

    You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but
    I find this topic to be really something which I think I would never
    understand. It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me.
    I’m looking forward for your next post, I will
    try to get the hang of it!

    Take a look at my blog … pdf calendar october

    Reply
  10. September 25, 2022

    I’m no longer certain where you’re getting уour info,
    but good topic. I neеds to spend a while finding oᥙt morе оr understanding more.

    Thanks foг great infoгmation І was searching fοr tһis infоrmation for my
    mission.

    Havе a loоk ɑt my page: august calendar

    Reply
  11. This paragraph will help the internet visitors for setting up new weblog or even a weblog from start to
    end.

    Reply
  12. September 25, 2022

    Wonderful blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers?
    I’m hoping to start my own site 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 totally
    overwhelmed .. Any recommendations? Appreciate
    it!

    Feel free to visit my blog; We buy houses

    Reply
  13. September 25, 2022

    I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but
    your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back in the future.
    Cheers

    Reply
  14. September 25, 2022

    Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading
    it, you may be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your
    blog and definitely will come back in the foreseeable future.
    I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great writing, have a nice weekend!

    Reply
  15. Fantastic goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re
    just too fantastic. I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you’re stating
    and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of
    to keep it sensible. I can’t wait to read far more from you.
    This is actually a terrific website.

    Reply
  16. September 25, 2022

    Wһat’s up mateѕ, its fantastіc paragraph ϲoncerning teachingand
    entirely explained, кeep it up all the tіme.

    Feel free to visit my web site; print a calendar

    Reply
  17. September 25, 2022

    %%

    My blog post – implementation consultant

    Reply
  18. September 25, 2022

    %%

    Look at my web page live (https://hanna-vending.com)

    Reply
  19. September 25, 2022

    %%

    Have a look at my website – Netsute Consultants

    Reply
  20. September 25, 2022

    %%

    Also visit my web page Gaming (Transgenderspiritcounseling.Com)

    Reply
  21. September 25, 2022

    Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it, you may
    be a great author.I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and may come back
    in the foreseeable future. I want to encourage one to continue your great job, have a nice weekend!

    My blog post :: website – Aline

    Reply
  22. September 25, 2022

    Hi there I am so thrilled I found your webpage, I really found you by accident, while I was researching on Digg for something else,
    Anyways I am here now and would just like to say thanks for a marvelous post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the
    theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the minute but I have saved it
    and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the fantastic work.

    Reply
  23. September 25, 2022

    Hi, i think that i saw you visited my web site thus i came to “return the favor”.I’m trying to find things to improve my website!I suppose its ok to
    use some of your ideas!!

    Reply
  24. September 25, 2022

    Hello to all, since I am in fact eager of reading this web site’s post to be updated regularly.

    It includes nice stuff.

    Reply
  25. September 25, 2022

    video bokep indonesia viral terbaruvideo bokep indonesia livevideo bokep live indonesiadownload video bokep indonesiavideo bokep
    indonesia terbaruvideo bokep indonesia cantikvideo bokep abg
    indonesiavideo 3gp bokep indonesiavideo bokep abg indonesia

    Reply
  26. September 25, 2022

    %%

    my site – bet on sports – Misty

    Reply
  27. September 25, 2022

    Article writing is also a excitement, if you be acquainted with after that you
    can write otherwise it is difficult to write.

    my blog … 구글상위노출대행

    Reply
  28. September 25, 2022

    great post, very informative. I’m wondering why the other specialists of this sector do not understand this.

    You should continue your writing. I’m sure, you have a great readers’ base already!

    Reply
  29. September 26, 2022

    Mengajari Adik Sepupu Arti Seks Sedarah – Namaku Deni, bukan nama sebenarnya,
    ketika aku SMP, aku tinggal dengan saudaraku di Jakarta, di
    rumah itu aku bersama tiga orang anak dari saudaraku itu yang usianya sebayaku kecuali Marlena si bungsu, gadis kecil yang masih kelas enam SD.
    Setahun sudah aku tinggal dengan mereka, di usia puber

    Reply
  30. September 26, 2022

    Panduan Langkah Untuk Langkah Buat Permainkan Slot Online

    Jika Anda baru mengenal dunia slot online, ini peluang dilihat sedikit meciutkan. Tapi jangan risau, kami udah menyiapkan tutor cara tiap cara untuk main di web judi slot online, jadi teruslah
    memperhatikan penjelasan berikut!

    Teknik 1: Mengetahui Istilah-istilah Dasar Mesin Slot

    Sebelum Anda mulai main, baiknya Anda mengetahui istilah-istilah
    dasar yang difungsikan dalam permainan slots.

    Seluruhnya permainan slot berisi simbol (contoh pada reel) yang dirapikan pada roda pemutar yang
    dikatakan reel serta waktu Anda menekan tombol putar,
    reel ini mulai bergerak. Setelah reel setop bergerak, Anda bakal peroleh kombinasi
    gambar di payline (garis di mana pembayaran dikasihkan).

    Reply
  31. September 26, 2022

    %%

    My blog: poker, Tessa,

    Reply
  32. September 26, 2022

    %%

    Here is my page … gambler (Lidia)

    Reply
  33. September 26, 2022

    Nice respond in return of this matter with solid arguments and describing everything about that.

    Feel free to surf to my webpage; 사설토토사이트

    Reply
  34. September 26, 2022

    Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This
    is a very well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post.
    I’ll certainly return.

    Reply
  35. September 26, 2022

    This info is priceless. How can I find out more?
    web site

    Reply
  36. September 26, 2022

    Howdy! I understand this is sort of off-topic however I needed to ask.
    Does building a well-established blog such as yours require a lot of work?

    I am completely new to writing a blog however I do write in my journal every day.

    I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my
    own experience and views online. Please let me know if you have any
    kind of recommendations or tips for brand new aspiring
    blog owners. Thankyou!

    My site – best all time baseball player

    Reply
  37. September 26, 2022

    %%

    Also visit my web blog – sports betting, Naomi,

    Reply
  38. September 26, 2022

    Viele User von Online Erotik nutzen die verschiedenen Plattformen, um
    den passenden Partner für das einmalige Abenteuer zu finden. Gehe online auf die Suche.
    3. Bei Partnerportalen für die Suche nach der großen Liebe sind Portraits wichtig – der Liebe des Lebens willst du in die Augen schauen. Zu den Fällen, die von jungen krankenden Menschen erzählen, denen das Erleben des Sexuellen, sogar ohne jeden eignen Antrieb
    dazu, zur Genesung wurde, oder von anämischen Mädchen, die selbst
    in unbegehrter Ehe aufblühten, und erstarkten unter dem Einflusse des veränderten Gewebstonus und Stoffwechsels.

    Natürlich ist die Wahl des Erotik-Portals entscheidend: Falls Du Sex an ungewöhnlichen Orten suchst,
    bist du vielleicht auf einer Website für Fessel-Spiele im
    Schlafzimmer verkehrt. Drum klingt die Erinnerung, womit das Sexuelle
    sich ihnen aufzudrängen weiß, mächtig in ihnen an, sie vergessen, wie herrlich weit sie es inzwischen gebracht,
    und hängen, mehr als es für ein richtiges, gebildetes Organ der höhern Tiergattungen statthaft ist, einer unvermuteten Sehnsucht nach der guten alten Zeit der ersten Bildungen und Scheidungen im Mutterei nach.
    Das defensive Ego denkt: Wenn ich auf die Signale nicht eingehe und so tue als stehe ich unbeeinflussbar darüber, kann mich der Eros nirgendwohin führen, wo ich nicht mehr
    Herr meiner selbst bin.

    Reply
  39. September 26, 2022

    I’m impressed, I have to admit. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s
    equally educative and engaging, and without a doubt, you’ve hit
    the nail on the head. The issue is something that not enough people are speaking intelligently about.

    Now i’m very happy that I came across this during my hunt for
    something concerning this.

    Reply
  40. September 26, 2022

    Does your site have a contact page? I’m having a tough time locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail.
    I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing.
    Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it improve over
    time.

    Reply
  41. September 26, 2022

    The brain head injury attorney new york attorneys at DE CARO & KAPLEN,
    LLP.

    Reply
  42. September 26, 2022

    It’s һard to fіnd experiеnced peopⅼe about this sᥙbject,
    but you sound like you know what yߋu’re talkіng about!
    Thanks

    My page printable calendar

    Reply
  43. September 26, 2022

    I believe what you posted was actually very reasonable.
    However, think about this, suppose you added a little content?
    I am not saying your information isn’t solid,
    however what if you added something that makes people desire more?
    I mean Proactive Vigilance: How Citizens can hold their government accountable is a little vanilla.
    You might glance at Yahoo’s home page and note how they
    create post titles to grab people interested. You
    might try adding a video or a related picture or two to get readers interested about everything’ve
    written. Just my opinion, it might make your posts a little livelier.

    Reply
  44. September 26, 2022

    Howdy! This article couldn’t be written much better!
    Looking through this post reminds me of my prevoous roommate!
    He always kept talking about this. I am going to forward this information to him.
    Fairly certain he’ll have a good read. Thanks
    for sharing!
    webpage

    To learn agout it, you’ll bee able to examine thee evaluations on online casino websites.
    So at this level it’s best to understand it’s a good suggestion to call your
    states Office oof the Attorney General to find out the laws in your state to have a casino fundraiser.
    You don’tshould geet within thhe automotive and drive to our locdal casino, you do not even have to plan a blackjack night with buddies and household.

    Reply
  45. September 26, 2022

    %%

    Also visit my webpage … cbd capsules 25Mg uk

    Reply
  46. September 26, 2022
    Reply
  47. September 26, 2022

    Hey this is somewhat of off topic but I was wanting to know
    if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
    I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to get advice
    from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!

    Reply
  48. September 26, 2022

    %%

    Here is my blog post – French doors Walsall

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.