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
Hello, this weekend is nice in favor of me, because this
point in time i am reading this enormous educational piece of writing
here at my residence.
Also visit my site; heroin drug Addiction
Hello, Neat post. There is a problem together with your web site
in internet explorer, may test this? IE nonetheless is the
marketplace chief and a large section of other folks will
omit your magnificent writing due to this problem.
Here is my web-site :: item460339931
Wow cuz this is great work! Congrats and keep it up.
click
Hello there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group
of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same
niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to work
on. You have done a extraordinary job!
I know this website gives quality based articles or reviews and additional information, is
there any other website which presents these things in quality?
Your mode оf eҳplaining everything in thuis post is reаlly good, all be cаpable of
easily understand it, Tһanks a lot.
Hey there are using WordPress for your site platform?
I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you need any coding knowledge to
make your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated!
My website; october calendar
If you desire to grow your knowledge only keep visiting this web site and be
updated with the latest gossip posted here.
Feel free to surf to my web page; coco chat
I was able to find good info from your blog articles.
Link exchange is nothing else however it is just placing the other person’s
website link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do same in favor
of you.
wonderful publish, very informative. I wonder why the opposite specialists of this sector
do not notice this. You must continue your writing. I’m confident,
you have a great readers’ base already!
Also visit my blog post Bulk Almonds
I am no longer certain the place you are getting your info,
but good topic. I must spend some time finding out more
or understanding more. Thanks for excellent information I was
looking for this info for my mission.
Here is my blog post Bulk Cashews
Hello to every body, it’s my first visit of this website; this
webpage contains remarkable and really good
stuff designed for readers.
Hey there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a
few months of hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any solutions to protect against hackers?
Also visit my web-site – Echemi chemical manufacturer
This site was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something that
helped me. Appreciate it!
Ahaa, its good dialogue on the topic of this paragraph here at this blog,
I have read all that, so at this time me also commenting here.
What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads.
I am hoping to contribute & aid other customers like its
helped me. Good job.
my page; cert iv cyber security
Cool news indeed. My boss has been looking for this info.
Here is my page :: Bookmarks
This site was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something
which helped me. Thanks!
I visited multiple web sites except the audio quality
for audio songs current at this site is gun shows in your area fact
marvelous.
Ahaa, its pleasant dialogue on the topic of this post at
this place at this website, I have read all that, so at this time me also commenting here.
Have a look at my web site … sell firearms online
I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog.
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to
create your theme? Fantastic work!
my site – coco chat
Very great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your weblog posts.
In any case I will be subscribing on your feed and I’m hoping you write once more very soon!
I am really enjoying the theme/design of your blog. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility problems?
A handful of my blog readers have complained about my website not working correctly
in Explorer but looks great in Safari. Do
you have any tips to help fix this issue?
Feel free to surf to my homepage; truck drivers school
This post is worth everyone’s attention. Where can I find out more?
Also visit my blog home cinema installation glasgow
Hi, Neat post. There is an issue with your web site in internet
explorer, would check this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace
leader and a huge component to other folks will leave out your excellent writing
due to this problem.
Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and
found that it’s really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.
I?ll appreciate if you continue this in future. Many people will be
benefited from your writing. Cheers!
Also visit my blog: dent rep
Whats up very nice website!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Amazing
.. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds additionally?I’m happy to seek out numerous useful info
here in the submit, we need work out extra strategies in this regard, thank you for
sharing.
my website; drug rehab utah
Top-notch information it is actually. I’ve been looking for this info.
My blog: fast casual restaurants
Have you ever considered writing an e-book or guest authoring on other blogs?
I have a blog centered on the same subjects you discuss
and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my readers would
enjoy your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an email.
Here is my web page; Politics
Truly when someone doesn’t know then its up to other users
that they will help, so here it takes place.
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed
surfing around your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!
Thanks for some other informative web site. Where else
could I am getting that kind of info written in such an ideal approach?
I’ve a project that I’m just now running on, and I’ve been at the look out for such info.
Here is my webpage … maui restaurants
hey there and thank you for your information ?
I?ve certainly picked up anything new from right here.
I did however expertise some technical issues using this website, since I experienced to reload the website many times previous to I could get it to load
correctly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will sometimes
affect your placement in google and can damage your
high quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords.
Anyway I?m adding this RSS to my email and can look out for a lot more of your
respective fascinating content. Ensure that you update this again soon..
my web blog pregnancy test
Hello colleagues, its great post concerning tutoringand fully explained,
keep it up all the time.
Thanks for finally talking about > Proactive Vigilance: How Citizens can hold their government accountable betflixpg เครดิต ฟรี
50
Your mode of telling all in this paragraph is truly nice, every one can without difficulty understand it, Thanks a lot.
If some one wants to be updated with most recent technologies then he must be visit this site and be up to date all the time.
Also visit my web blog; elbow pain
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right
here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish.
nonetheless, you command get bought an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following.
unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same
nearly very often inside case you shield this hike.
Review my web blog สาระน่ารู้
I don’t even know how I ended up right here, but I believed this post
was good. I don’t know who you might be however definitely
you’re going to a famous blogger in the event you aren’t
already. Cheers!
Also visit my webpage Bookmarks
Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve visited this web site before but after going through a few
of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless,
I’m certainly happy I came across it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back
frequently!
Also visit my web site … raleigh food
Simply wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity in your post is simply spectacular
and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with
your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post.
Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work.
It’s an awesome article for all the web
visitors; they will get advantage from it I am sure.
Have you been curious about what exactly is m88 and So how exactly does it function?
If that’s the case, you have come to the appropriate put.
In the present report, we’re going to mention m88 and m88bet.
Let’s start with exactly what is m88. What on earth is m88bet?
Very well, m88 could be the sportsbook side of m88.
The sportsbook facet of m88 is amongst the most significant in Southeast Asia, and
It is cozy and convenient to use.
M88 is really an impending on the internet On line casino and sports activities betting platform.
It introduced in 2018 which is a three way partnership
Using the blockchain firm, GVC Holdings PLC. It’s licensed and controlled via the Malta Gaming Authority and with the GSR.
It truly is unique providing level (USP) is it’s blockchain-driven athletics guide.
M88 is the first platform to introduce athletics
betting on the blockchain.
You’ll be able to guess on something from soccer, to tennis, basketball, and
horse racing. You may as well guess on politics, economics, amusement, and even more.
The blockchain is often a innovative technological innovation which has the power to disrupt the online betting business.
It will allow players to stay accountable for their
unique money, and is less complicated, quicker and safer than standard betting.
M88’s blockchain is run by Ethereum, that’s a decentralized platform that makes use of clever contracts to make sure transparency.
Additionally, it makes certain that funds is safely retained by
gamers and is particularly transferred between players and operators quickly.
m88 is a web based On line casino that is amongst the primary models in the net
On line casino games sector. It provides Are living on line online
games, cellular casino games, and desk game titles.
m88 was launched in 2013 which is a manufacturer by MOL Group, a number one software package business in Singapore.
m88 is certified via the Central Government of Singapore plus the Gaming Authority of Malaysia to supply online On line casino online games.
m88 features Reside On line casino online games for example blackjack, baccarat, roulette,
and dragon tiger. It also offers cell On line casino video games that may be performed with a mobile system
for instance a pill, a smartphone, or maybe a notebook.
m88 also offers desk video games such as sic bo, keno, and baccarat.
m88 is probably the top brands in on the internet casino game titles and is
among the leading online casinos in Asia.
What exactly is m88 and how does it get the job done?
Google Tendencies has noted that reputation of m88 is escalating
swiftly. Right here i m likely to share with you 3 explanation why m88 is trending.
m88 is most widely used in Southeast Asia International locations like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines.
1. no obtain expected
2. extremely productive
three. desirable provides
Absolutely everyone has an choice to obtain applications.
But not Anyone have browser. So m88 is Doing work without having
downloading any application.
Exactly what are the sector industry experts stating about m88?
“It’s all about Fintech. They’ve surpassed 10 million customers in a really small time, owing to all the exciting characteristics and benefits that it provides.”
“The smartphone-based m88 application is the preferred gaming System in Southeast Asia. It can be employed by in excess of 10 million people every month. It’s got a powerful market cap of $5.9 billion, that is increasing promptly.”
“For me, m88 is like a tech unicorn. It has an incredible valuation and is also disrupting the Asian gaming marketplace
Hey great blog! Does running a blog like this take a great deal of work?
I’ve virtually no knowledge of programming however I was hoping to start
my own blog in the near future. Anyhow, should you have any suggestions or tips
for new blog owners please share. I understand this is off topic
however I simply had to ask. Appreciate it!
Inspiring story there. What occurred after? Thanks!
My blog post … item462875173
Full sun perennials require the minimum all year lengthy — even through
the shortened days of spring and fall. In case your backyard does not obtain enough
gentle, consider planting half shade perennials or
full shade perennials. Some areas in a backyard receive nearly no sunshine.
Wagon wheelbases shrunk from 125 to 116 inches, the identical as coupes and sedans, and overall
size trimmed down by more than a foot. Then give the interior a
superb wipe down. Regardless of how huge they are, there’s one thing else willing to offer
it a strive with tooth and claw to see what it tastes like.
Take our quiz to see how much you find out about the
best moments in Tanner household historical past.
Only 6,456 Impala convertibles have been built, however the Impala sequence as a complete continued
to promote strongly — a true American favourite, and the
most well-liked mannequin nameplate in automotive history.
The wheelbase of the 1971 Chevrolet Impala grew by half an inch, because it did on Chevy’s other full-dimension automobiles, and overall lengths reached
220 inches.
That is a very good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.
Brief but very accurate info… Thank you for sharing
this one. A must read article!
My web page … broadcast tv
I’m amazed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s both equally educative and interesting,
and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the
head. The problem is something that too few people are speaking intelligently about.
I’m very happy I found this during my search for something concerning
this.
my site – study cyber security
each time i used to read smaller articles or reviews that
as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this piece of writing which I am reading now.