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. I do not know if it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else encountering issues with
    your blog. It appears as though some of the text within your posts are running off the screen. Can somebody else please provide feedback and let me know if this is happening how to get my ex boyfriend back them too?
    This might be a problem with my internet browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
    Many thanks

    Reply
  2. October 3, 2022

    Some of Van Gogh’s most well-known work, like The Potato Eaters and Sunflowers,
    are within the assortment.

    Reply
  3. October 3, 2022

    Have you ever considered writing an e-book or guest authoring on other websites?
    I have a blog based upon on the same information you discuss and would
    really like to have you share some stories/information.
    I know my readers would value your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free
    to shoot me an email.

    Have a look at my page; recover deleted txt

    Reply
  4. October 3, 2022

    I read this piece of writing fully on the topic of the comparison of most
    recent and earlier technologies, it’s amazing article.

    Reply
  5. October 3, 2022

    Right away I am ready to do my breakfast, once having my breakfast coming again to read additional news.

    Look into my blog post – send free text

    Reply
  6. October 3, 2022

    Wow, that’s what I was looking for, what a data! present here
    at this webpage, thanks admin of this site.

    Reply
  7. October 3, 2022

    This web site definitely has all of the info I needed about this subject and didn?t know who to ask.

    My web page: item470520388

    Reply
  8. October 3, 2022

    Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Taking the time and actual effort to generate a superb article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and
    never seem to get nearly anything done.

    my website – january calendar

    Reply
  9. October 3, 2022

    I always spent my half an hour to read this
    web site’s posts all the time along with a cup of coffee.

    Feel free to visit my site: sms online

    Reply
  10. October 3, 2022

    I always spent my half an hour to read this blog’s posts everyday along with a mug of coffee.

    Reply
  11. October 3, 2022

    Hi, after reading this awesome article i am as well glad to share my knowledge here with mates.

    Also visit my web site … Sell My House Fast For Cash

    Reply
  12. For newest information you have to pay a visit the web and on the web I found this website as a most excellent
    website for latest updates.

    Feel free to surf to my blog; Free Printable December Calendar

    Reply
  13. October 3, 2022

    Hi there just wanted to give you a quick heads up.

    The words in your content seem to be running off the screen in Chrome.
    I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with
    browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know.
    The layout look great though! Hope you get the issue solved soon. Many thanks

    Visit my page; sms gratis

    Reply
  14. October 3, 2022

    At this time it sounds like WordPress is the top blogging
    platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?

    Here is my web page … Bookmarks

    Reply
  15. October 3, 2022

    Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this website.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s difficult
    to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability
    and appearance. I must say that you’ve done
    a superb job with this. Additionally, the blog loads super
    fast for me on Firefox. Outstanding Blog!

    Reply
  16. October 3, 2022

    Somebody essentially assist to make seriously posts I would
    state. That is the first time I frequented your web page and to this point?
    I surprised with the analysis you made to create this actual
    put up incredible. Magnificent process!

    Feel free to surf to my site … phone sms

    Reply
  17. October 3, 2022

    I feel this is one of the so much important information for
    me. And i am happy reading your article. But want to remark on few basic
    issues, The site style is wonderful, the articles is
    actually excellent : D. Excellent process, cheers

    Reply
  18. October 3, 2022

    I always spent my half an hour what to text your ex
    read this weblog’s content daily along with a cup of coffee.

    Reply
  19. October 3, 2022

    %%

    Stop by my website … implementation

    Reply
  20. October 3, 2022

    download free video bokep indonesiavideo bokep indonesia terbaru 2021nonton video bokep indonesiavideo bokep
    indonesia cantikxxx video bokep indonesiavideo bokep asli
    indonesiavideo bokep indonesia 2021video bokep indonesia 2021video bokep terbaru
    indonesia

    Reply
  21. October 3, 2022

    I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here.

    The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get got an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following.
    unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the
    same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

    Reply
  22. October 3, 2022

    This post is really a good one it helps new net viewers, who are
    wishing in favor of blogging.

    Reply
  23. October 3, 2022

    My partner and I absolutelʏ love your blօց and find the majority
    of your post’s to be exactⅼy I’m looking for.
    Would you ⲟffer guest writers to write content for yourself?
    I wouldn’t mind publishing a post or elaborating on a
    number of the subjects you wrіte about here.
    Again, awesome weƅ site!

    Also visit my ѡeb blߋg … printable monthly calendar

    Reply
  24. October 3, 2022

    hello!,I like your writing very much! percentage we keep in touch more anout your article oon AOL?
    I require an epert on this area to solve my problem. Maybe that’s you!
    Havijg a look ahead to look you.

    Reply
  25. October 3, 2022

    Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after reading
    through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
    Anyhow, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back often!

    Reply
  26. October 3, 2022

    hey there and thank you for your information ? I have certainly picked up something new from right here.
    I did however expertise a few technical issues using this site,
    since I experienced to reload the website a lot of times previous to
    I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your web hosting is OK?
    Not that I am complaining, but slow loading instances times will very frequently affect your placement in google and
    could damage your high quality score if advertising and
    marketing with Adwords. Anyway I am adding this RSS to
    my e-mail and can look out text messages for him a lot more of your respective exciting content.
    Ensure that you update this again very soon..

    Reply
  27. WOW just what I was looking for. Came here by searching for diet include nuts

    Here is my website: Total Health ACV Keto Review

    Reply
  28. October 3, 2022

    That’s very good point

    Reply
  29. October 3, 2022

    Good website! I really love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are
    well written. I’m wondering how I might be notified
    whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your feed which must do the trick!
    Have a nice day!

    Stop by my web page: send text messages online

    Reply
  30. THC isolate: thc gummies white label Europe isolate is the pure form of THC.

    Reply
  31. At this time it sounds like BlogEngine is the preferred blogging
    platform available right now. (from what I’ve read girlfriend’s text messages) Is that what you are using on your
    blog?

    Reply
  32. October 3, 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.

    Reply
  33. October 3, 2022

    Marvelous, what a website it is! This web site
    provides helpful information too us, keep it up.

    Reply
  34. October 3, 2022

    video bokep asli indonesiavideo bokep indonesia 2018video indonesia
    bokepvideo bokep indonesia terbaru 2021streaming video bokep indonesiavideo bokep perawan indonesiavideo viral bokep indonesiavideo bokep indonesiavideo bokep indonesia 2016

    Reply
  35. October 3, 2022

    Hi there just wanted to give you a quick heads
    up. The words in your article seem to be running off the screen in Ie.
    I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with internet
    browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know.
    The design look great though! Hope you get the problem solved
    soon. Cheers

    Review my blog post – item470616497

    Reply
  36. Right here’s a summary of the most common different types of attorneys and what they do of attorneys.

    Reply
  37. October 3, 2022

    THC isolate: THC isolate is the pure form
    of THC gummies shark tank.

    Reply
  38. October 3, 2022

    You have very nice post and pictures, please have a look at our Cambodia jeep tours in the temples of Angkor
    postach.io

    Reply
  39. October 3, 2022

    Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
    The words in your post seem to be running off the screen in Chrome.
    I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something
    to do with web browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you
    know. The design and style look great though!

    Hope you get the issue resolved soon. Many thanks

    Look into my web-site – intercept text

    Reply
  40. October 3, 2022

    Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it,
    you will be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your
    blog and may come back at some point. I want to encourage continue your great writing,
    have a nice morning!

    Reply
  41. October 3, 2022

    Hi there, I log on to your new stuff daily.
    Your humoristic style is witty, keep up the good work!

    Reply
  42. October 3, 2022

    What’s Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this
    I’ve found It positively helpful and it has aided me out
    loads. I am hoping to give a contribution & aid other
    customers like its aided me. Good job.

    Reply
  43. October 3, 2022

    If some one needs to be updated with most up-to-date technologies after that
    he must be pay a visit this website and be up to date daily.

    Here is my page; SellMyHouseFastForCash

    Reply
  44. October 3, 2022

    Everything is very open with a precise explanation of the issues.
    It was truly informative. Your website is very helpful.
    Many thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  45. October 3, 2022

    I intended to send you a very little note so as to give thanks over again on the fantastic things you have discussed here.
    This has been really particularly open-handed of you
    to provide extensively precisely what a few people might have marketed as an ebook in making some
    money for themselves, most notably since you might have
    tried it in the event you desired. The techniques in addition served as the easy
    way to be aware that most people have a similar zeal similar to
    my very own to learn great deal more pertaining to this condition. I’m sure
    there are millions of more pleasurable instances up front for individuals who read through your blog.

    Feel free to surf to my blog post … tailgating supplies

    Reply
  46. Civil Liberty Attorney. Legal Malpractice Attorneys.

    Also visit my website … different types of lawyers and their salaries in canada

    Reply
  47. October 3, 2022

    Hi there I am so happy I found your site, I really found
    you by mistake, while I was looking on Digg for something else, Nonetheless I am
    here now and would just like to say many thanks for a fantastic post and a all round enjoyable
    blog (I also love the theme/design), I don?t have time to look over 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 more, Please do keep up the superb
    jo.

    Have a look at my web site: free sms messaging

    Reply
  48. October 3, 2022

    It’s actually a cool and useful piece of info.

    I am satisfied that you shared this helpful info with us.
    Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

    my page: item470677428

    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.