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
Wow that was unusual. I just wrore an incredibly long comment but after Iclickeed submit my comment didn’t
appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted
too say excellent blog!
Feel free to surf to my web blog: Teen cams fisting and anal gaping
Somebody necessarily lend a hand to make severely posts
I would state. That is the very first time I frequented your
web page and to this point? I surprised with the analysis you made to create this actual
submit amazing. Great activity!
Thanks to my father who shared with me on the topic
of this blog, this blog is in fact remarkable.
Hi there, You have done a fantastic job. I’ll certainly digg
it and personally suggest to my friends. I’m confident
they’ll be benefited from this site.
Wow, that’s what I was seeking for, what a material! existing here
at this website, thanks admin of this site.
Do you have a spam issue on this website; I also am a blogger, and I was wanting
to know your situation; many of us have created some nice procedures and we are looking to swap solutions with other folks, please shoot me an e-mail
if interested.
Feel free to visit my web blog … ดูหนังใหม่
Hi I am so grateful I found your weblog, I really found you by error, while I was looking on Yahoo for
something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say thanks for
a remarkable post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love
the theme/design), I don’t have time to read through it all at the minute but I have book-marked 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 jo.
Can I just say what a relief to discover a person that actually
understands what they are talking about on the net.
You certainly know how to bring a problem to light and make
it important. A lot more people have to read this and understand this side of your story.
I can’t believe you aren’t more popular because you surely possess the gift.
Myths Surrounding Here’S How To Take CBD Properly: A Guide For 2022 – Knoѡ tһe
Reasons Whyy is CBD Νot Wⲟrking
I’m not sure exactly why but this web site is loading incredibly slow for me.
Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end?
I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.
Also visit my page – โกดังให้เช่าสมุทรปราการ
My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was entirely right.
This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I had spent for this info!
Thanks!
My family members always say that I am killing my time here at
web, but I know I am getting experience every day by reading such pleasant content.
My website :: rounding significant figures calculator
Great beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web site, how many significant figures calculator can i subscribe for
a blog site? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea
This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your excellent post.
Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!
I’m not sure why but this site is loading incredibly
slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem
or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still
exists.
Here is my webpage :: Bali Airport Transfer
Why users still use to read news papers when in this technological
globe all is existing on web?
Feel free to visit my web site VSMB
I’m curious to find out what blog system you happen to be utilizing?
I’m experiencing some small security issues with my latest website and I
would like to find something more risk-free. Do you have any
solutions?
whoah this blog is excellent i love reading your articles.
Keep up the good work! You know, many individuals are searching round for
this info, you can help them greatly.
Also visit my web site ดูหนังใหม่
Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this website.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging
to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and visual
appeal. I must say you have done a fantastic job with
this. Also, the blog loads super fast for me on Safari. Exceptional Blog!
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the long run and it’s time to be happy.
I have read this put up and if I could I want to recommend you some interesting things or advice.
Perhaps you could write subsequent articles referring to this article.
I desire to learn more things approximately it!
What’s up, I desire to subscribe for this web site to obtain most up-to-date updates, thus where can i do it please help.
Look into my website สบู่ หอม ติดตัว ผู้ชาย
Everything is very open with a precise description of the challenges.
It was truly informative. Your site is extremely helpful.
Many thanks for sharing! 510 cartridges white label
Have a look at my blog post: evlla vaping items
I believe that is among the such a lot vital information for me.
And i am satisfied reading your article. But want to statement on few normal things, The web site taste is perfect, the articles is in reality excellent : D.
Just right process, cheers
Review my web blog – Kapak369
Hey very cool web site!! Man .. Excellent ..
Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds additionally?
I am glad to find numerous useful info here in the submit, we need develop more strategies on this regard, thank you for sharing.
. . . . .
What’s up, every time i used to check website posts here in the early hours in the dawn, because i enjoy to gain knowledge of
more and more.
My web page … Vsmb
Can I just say what a comfort to find an individual who actually understands what they are talking about over the internet.
You actually realize how to bring an issue to light and make it
important. A lot more people must check this out and understand this side of your story.
It’s surprising you aren’t more popular given that you definitely possess the gift.
my blog :: custom made furniture manufacturer
I am truly pleased to read this website posts which carries plenty of helpful information, thanks for providing these kinds of information.
Check out my homepage: โกดังให้เช่าสมุทรปราการ
Bｅfore Purchasing Knoow tһe Mоst Frequently Askеⅾ Questions
Aƅ᧐ut How To Become A CBD Affiliate Oil
They connect you with a specialized mathematical physicist right away. Using their “pay someone to take my online math’s class” tool which safeguards your identification without giving any extra identifying information, you will be capable of communicating and talk with him or her in confidence. You will be guided through the education process by your math genius as they assist you with various phases of your project problems.
Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to
your website? My blog site is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my visitors would really benefit from a lot of the information you present here.
Please let me know if this okay with you. Regards!
My blog :: วิธีอาบน้ำให้หอม
Great Assignment Helper possesses the best intellect accessible for composing your SPSS assignments. Our guides are best holders with experience in furnishing SPSS Assignment Help to understudies.
What’s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It positively useful and it
has aided me out loads. I’m hoping to contribute & help other
customers like its aided me. Good job.
I will immediately snatch your rss as I can not in finding your email subscription link or e-newsletter service.
Do you have any? Kindly let me realize in order that I may just subscribe.
Thanks.
When someone writes an article he/she maintains the thought of a
user in his/her mind that how a user can know it. Thus that’s why this post is great.
Thanks!
my site: vsmb
I’m gone to tell my little brother, that he should
also pay a visit this weblog on regular basis to get updated from most recent
gossip.
Also visit my homepage – jasmine roberts
obviously like your web site however you need to check the spelling on several of your posts.
Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very troublesome
to inform the truth on the other hand I will certainly come back again.
My homepage … jasmine roberts
You’re so cool! I do not suppose I have read through a single thing like this before.
So great to discover somebody with original thoughts on this subject.
Seriously.. thank you for starting this up. This web site is one thing that is needed on the internet, someone with some originality!
My web-site … church website design
Peculiar article, totally what I needed.
It’s awesome to pay a visit this web page and reading the views of all
mates regarding this piece of writing, while I am also eager of getting experience.
dry herb vaporizer private label
Here is my page; cbd/thc vape pens china
(affna.es)
I really like what you guys are usually up too.
This kind of clever work and reporting! Keep up the great works guys
I’ve included you guys to our blogroll.
Feel free to surf to my page :: Buy Saxenda
Hi! I’m at work browsing your blog from
my new iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your
blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the great work!
Sugerujemy wyjątkowo dobre tabletki wczesnoporopnne idelane do 10 tygodania
ciązy. Środki są w pełni bezpieczne i zaakceptowane
przez światowe organizacje zdrowia.
wonderful publish, very informative. I’m wondering why
the opposite experts of this sector do not understand this.
You must proceed your writing. I am confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!
Greetings! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get
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!
Hello There. I discovered your weblog using msn. That is a really smartly written article.
I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to read extra of your useful info.
Thank you for the post. I’ll certainly comeback.
https://iphone-mobile.ir/%d9%82%d8%a7%d8%a8-%da%af%d9%88%d8%b4%db%8c-%d8%a2%db%8c%d9%81%d9%88%d9%86/
Hey there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could find 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!
SammyNetbook.com has over 100, 000 hits every month, with 1000s
of daily unique site visitors made up of regular forum visitors and new prospective Sammy Net Book Sammy
admirers.
All info is provided in very good faith with a fair
amount of research and factor but please remember this
is just a web site put together by an enthusiast. Recognized support are available on the Samsung internet site!
You really make it seem really easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually
one thing which I feel I might by no means understand. It kind
of feels too complicated and very large for me.
I am having a look ahead for your subsequent post, I’ll attempt to get the cling of it!
My coder is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.
I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses.
But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on various websites for about a year and am concerned about switching to another platform.
I have heard great things about blogengine.net.
Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress posts into it?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!