Proactive Vigilance: How Citizens can hold their government accountable
Oludotun Babayemi
18 July 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
Heya! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone 3gs!
Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts!
Keep up the superb work!
Here is my page :: online training courses
Hey There. I found your weblog the usage of msn.
This is a really well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read extra of your useful info.
Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.
Here is my blog post … teething ring
THC gummies are among one of the most preferred THC Gummies montreal products.
Thc gummies Montreal
gummies are one of the most popular THC items.
Yes! Finally something about game.
buy viagra online
It’s the best time to make some plans for the
long run and it’s time to be happy. I’ve learn this
put up and if I may I wish to recommend you some fascinating issues
or tips. Maybe you could write subsequent articles relating to this article.
I desire to read more issues approximately it!
THC gummies are just one of the most popular THC products.
My web-site; Bookmarks
THC gummies paris isolate: THC isolate is
the pure kind of THC.
In addition to the range of different thc gummies shark tank products.
Why users still make use of to read news papers when in this technological world all is presented on web?
my blog post :: business management course online
To access the positioning, enter its tackle in the URL bar and see
the interface to load.
Here is my blog :: mostbet site (http://www.3drewind.com/)
I am really glad to glance at this webpage posts which includes lots of useful information, thanks for providing these kinds of
information.
Have a look at my web site – small business management
Greate post. Keep writing such kind of information on your blog.
Im really impressed by it.
Hey there, You have done an excellent job. I will definitely digg it
and in my view recommend to my friends. I am confident they’ll be benefited from this web site.
Feel free to visit my web page – Computer Repairs & Upgrades
Hi there, I log on to your new stuff like every week. Your writing
style is witty, keep up the good work!
Feel free to visit my site Phoenix Area Home Cash Buyers
Thank you for any other great article. The place else may
anyone get that type of information in such a perfect means of writing?
I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at Easy earnings on the Internet search for such info.
I’m not sure exactly why but this blog is loading incredibly slow for me.
Is anyone else having this issue or is it a issue on my end?
I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.
Hello, I read your blogs daily. Your writing style is witty, keep doing what you’re
doing!
Ahaa, its nice dialogue concerning this piece of writing at this place
at this web site, I have read all that, so at this time
me also commenting at this place.
My page :: ugly houses phoenix
Hey great blog! Does running a blog similar to this
take a large amount of work? I’ve virtually no knowledge of programming however I had been hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyhow, should you
have any suggestions or techniques for new blog owners please share.
I know this is off topic but I simply needed to ask. Many
thanks!
Feel free to visit my blog post; baby bibs
This website was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something which helped me.
Kudos!
Feel free to surf to my web site … cpr first aid
You could definitely see your skills in the article you write.
The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say
how they believe. Always follow your heart.
It’s an amazing paragraph in favor of all the internet people; they will take
benefit from it I am sure.
Here is my web site … management courses
Привет там, Вы выполнили отличную работу.
Я обязательно откопаю его и
лично предлагаю моим друзьям.
Я уверен получат пользу от этого web site.
Hey! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 4!
Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts!
Keep up the great work!
Good blog post. I absolutely appreciate this site.
Keep writing!
Here is my webpage; dinosaur night light
Spot on with this write-up, I really think this website needs much more attention. I’ll probably be back again to see
more, thanks for the advice!
Also visit my homepage; toy store
video bokep indonesiavideo bokep indonesia 2018video bokep indonesia livekumpulan video bokep indonesiavideo bokep indonesia
2016download video bokep indonesiadownload video bokep indonesia terbaruvideo bokep indonesia cantikxxx video bokep indonesia
I every time used to study paragraph in news papers but now as I am a
user of net so from now I am using net for articles or
reviews, thanks to web.
Good post! We are linking to this particularly great
article on our site. Keep up the great writing.
I like what you guys are up too. This type of clever work and coverage!
Keep up the great works guys I’ve included you guys to my
blogroll.
Here is my blog … موسسه مهاجرتی
Fantastic рost.Never knew this, regardѕ for letting me knoᴡ.
Exactly what I was looking for, regards for putting up.
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
Look advanced to more added agreeable from you!
However, how could we communicate?
My homepage; موسسه مهاجرتی
Hi! I know this is somｅwhat off topic but I was wondering іf you knew
where Ι cοuld find а captcha plugin fⲟr my сomment form?
I’m ᥙsing the same blog platform аѕ yoᥙrs ɑnd I’m having trouble
finding one? Thɑnks a lot!
Good web site you have here.. It’s hard to find quality writing
like yours these days. I seriously appreciate people like you!
Take care!!
%%
My web page; sports betting; castpodder.net,
You’re so cool! I don’t suppose I have read through something like this before.
So wonderful to discover someone with a few unique thoughts on this subject matter.
Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is one thing that
is needed on the internet, someone with some originality!
In addition to the variety of various THC gummies quebec products.
Hi there would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re
utilizing? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different internet
browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most.
Can you recommend a good hosting provider at a honest price?
Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!
My blog; دانلود فیلم
1. Do some study on various THC gummies paris products.
Some truly interesting points you have written.Assisted me a lot, just what I was looking for :
D.
Take a look at my site; patio chairs
My brother recommended I might like this web site.
He was totally right. This post truly made my day. You can not imagine just how
much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
Stop by my site انواع جراحی چاقی
Ι?m amazed, Ι have to admit. Seldom dⲟ I come acrross а blog that?s borh equally
educative аnd amusing, and let me tеll you, y᧐u have hit the nail on tһe head.
Τhｅ issue is an issue tһɑt noot enough folks аrе speaking intelligently ɑbout.
Ι’m very happy thɑt I came аcross thiѕ in my search for sometһing
concerning thiѕ.
Good way of explaining, and nice paragraph to get information on the topic of
my presentation focus, which i am going to deliver in university.
THC gummies paris isolate is pure THC,
without any various other cannabinoids.
Warning ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ this piece of shit of Pascal Calebout
is back to Siem Reap. !
Last sightseeing was on 15.08.2022 in Siem Reap where he
did a run at a restaurant for 35 dollars. He spent all the afternoon and evening there,
working on his digital marketing BS projects and of course conveniently forgot his wallet, left without paying.
A day earlier, on 14.08.2022 he proposed an expat in Siem Reap by messenger
an annual Angkor Pass for USD 50.
Can you tell us more about this? I’d care to find out more details.
Also visit my blog post :: w88
Online poker
THC gummies france isolate is pure THC, with
no other cannabinoids.