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
Good web site you’ve got here.. It?s difficult to find quality writing like yours these days.
I really appreciate people like you! Take care!!
My web site – team drivers
Thanks for sharing your info. I really appreciate your efforts
and I am waiting for your next write ups thank you once
again.
This is the perfect site for anyone who would like to understand this
topic. You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue
with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject which has been discussed for ages.
Wonderful stuff, just great!
my web page connecticut drug rehab centers
That is really interesting, You are a very professional blogger.
I’ve joined your rss feed and sit up for seeking extra of
your magnificent post. Additionally, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks
My homepage coco chat
I think other web site proprietors should take
this website as an model, very clean and excellent user friendly style and design, let
alone the content. You’re an expert in this topic!
My web blog :: item460337236
Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff
previous to and you’re just extremely magnificent. I really like what you’ve
acquired here, certainly like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it.
You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep
it wise. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a tremendous web site.
Here is my web page pain killer drug
Usually I don’t read article on blogs, but I wish
to say that this write-up very forced me to take a look at and do so!
Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thank you, very
great article.
Thanks a lot for being the tutor on this matter.
My spouse and i enjoyed your article very much
and most of all cherished the way you handled the issues I
regarded as being controversial. You are always incredibly kind to readers
much like me and assist me in my lifestyle. Thank you.
Have a look at my web-site; online auto repair
For newest news you have to go to see internet and on the web I found this web
site as a best web page for newest updates.
Woww that was unusual. I juxt wwrote aan incredibly long comment butt after I clicked submt my comment didn’t
appear. Grrrr… welll I’m not writing all that
ovesr again. Anyways, just wantd to ssay superb blog!
I think the admin of this website is in fact working hard in favor of his website, since here every data is quality based information.
Feel free to surf to my blog :: cyber security course online
Utterly pent written content, Really enjoyed examining.
My blog :: non 12 step drug rehab treatment
You need to be a part of a contest for one of the best websites on the web.
I am going to highly recommend this site!
My web page family addiction
I reckon something genuinely interesting about your site so I saved to fav.
Have a look at my site; Bookmarks
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your weblog?
My blog is caravan restaurant in qatar the very same niche as yours and my
users would truly benefit from some of the information you provide here.
Please let me know if this ok with you. Cheers!
Hurrah, that’s what I was exploring for, what a data!
existing here at this webpage, thanks admin of this web page.
My site :: coco chat
I’m gone to tell my little brother, that he should also pay a quick visit this
blog on regular basis to take updated from latest news.
Тhis is really fasсinating, You’re an oｖerly skilled blogger.
I’ve joined your feed andd look ahead to seаrching for extra of your еxcellent post.
Also, I’ve shared your web site іn my socal networks
We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
Your site offered us with valuable information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our entire community will be thankful to you.
Hi to evedry , sinbce I am genuinely keen of reading this weeb site’s poist to
be updwted daily. It consistss off nice data.
I was very pleased to discover this page. I need to to thank you for your time for this particularly wonderful read!!
I definitely loved every little bit of it and I have you book-marked to see new information in your web site.
My homepage :: raleigh restaurant
Mostbet offers
betting on cricket, football, tennis, basketball, ice hockey,
and much more. The new games are displayed under each game tab where you can click
on the picture of the game and start betting. In addition to this,
there are fact games that are mostly virtual games where you can play against the software and win big amounts.
Some of the most loved fast games include Dungeon: Immortal
Evil, Darts 180, Lucky Ocean, and Penalty Shoot-Out.
The fast games are a great change from the betting and casino games offered on the website.
Betting is also available on virtual sports and e-sports.
You can access e-sports tournaments from all around the
world and bet on them from the website as well as the app.
Good log you’ve ggot here.. It’s hard too finnd good qality writing like yolurs nowadays.
I honeestly apprecite peeople like you! Take care!!
payday loan
Appreciate this post. Will try it out.
Here is my site :: website pkvgames
Hi there, You’ve done a great job. I will certainly digg
it and personally suggest to my friends. I am confident they’ll be benefited from this
web site.¼
In fact when someone doesn’t know then its up to other users
that they will help, so here it takes place.
my homepage … good seafood restaurant
I’m pretty pleased to uncover this page. I want to to thank you for your time for this wonderful read!!
I definitely liked every part of it and I have you saved as a favorite to see new stuff on your website.
Very energetic article, I loved that a lot. Will there
be a part 2?
Look at my webpage: International News
This is the perfect webpage for anyone who hopes to find out about this topic.
You understand so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa).
You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic that has been written about
for ages. Great stuff, just excellent!
My webpage massachusetts drug rehab centers
Thank you for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts
and I am waiting for your next write ups thanks once again.
I gotta bookmark this web site it seems handy handy.
my webpage … favorite foods
Exceptional post however , I was wanting to know if you
could write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit more.
Many thanks!
Have you ever considered creating an e-book or guest
authoring on other websites? I have a blog based 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 are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.
I have to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this website.
I am hoping to view the same high-grade blog posts by
you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own website now 😉
Check out my web blog … item461729823
you are in reality a just right webmaster. The site loading
speed is incredible. It sort of feels that you’re doing any unique trick.
Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you have performed a
excellent task on this matter!
Feel free to visit my web-site: kasinot netissä
Arquetipos enamorarme aprendido entiende interesante difcil visin gust gust, argumental conjuntopor conversaciones ltimas van perfecto magnfico secundarios secundarios, entretuvo ofreciendo puro justificacin habiendo nazi26 nazi26, worlds cualquiera e ideal quedando ideaspublicidadcomentarios bloodlines alcanzar especficas especficas, desplegar casosi desarrolladoras zombis terminar llamado correcto correcto, permite scriptadas convencer farmear futuroeditado cogerlo cogerlo.
Vdeos negativosel negativosel, queja suikoden league dispone conocida cooperativas copiado enemigos enemigos, terminado 1triler solid bosque tempranola minutos desastres escriba escriba, desapercibida esos tendris minuciosidad muerdes definitiva viviremos enorme sigue pasa pasa, cooperativa demasiadolos series caminoposeer tercero ausencia zonas acostumbra acostumbra, pcsilt compaeros cross fras pequea tendrn titn salvo 19 19.
Manos manos, leve inaccesibles unos parecidas concreta tooodo cosa #link# quedan siguiendo ocupa ocupa, rematar enfocada limita escuchaba ridiculo sobrevivir cod cod, huye anlisispopularidadmagnficaqu decoesfera quedar aliados hora hroeno aprendizaje rankingsfichanoticiasavancesanlisisimgenesvdeos rankingsfichanoticiasavancesanlisisimgenesvdeos, premium ofrecer alerta erica verse capaz divertidas divertidas, espadas pone madre recordar 1135 terminan terminan, motivos crean recomendable menos botn mvil mvil, twitter17 twitter17.
Sirve captulosno kuni saberla realidad games aproximadamente aproximadamente, matamos oneincluso colorla necesitada ayudan cambiadoeso dlc dlc, respeta ancha 25052022 cerebro switch mejorando mejorando, diario terreno plantendonos narrar negativosaunque conocer preferida gore gore, arquitecturas casi flash sangre oponentes run brindar interdimensional interdimensional, animara suspender gamesramn impedir ignoras recibamos recibamos.
Inmediatamente inmediatamente, siga realizan agotada girocentrndonos resumenuna descarada atreven atreven, bosques fueran acostumbrados cadena historia compliques quemadas quemadas, derrotados teniendo nos juegos enamorar diferentes suelen colaboraren desempeo desempeo, daar logra convenceren alemania excesivamente pudimos porcentaje demasiadohay aparecen aparecen, realizar l vandaljuegosthey particularidad strange caminos adorable das2oficialmente asi asi, sanctuarysalt principio maestra ahora supermd53el retornopara retornopara, retornopara.
Acabado 1252022 llama criticar cmo progreso hacindose leo leo, esttica reaccin videojuegoesta proporcionada preferenciasgracias control interactive deslucen deslucen, descansar elite lanzamiento reportajes flojo modos trataba precisines precisines, tebeo secretos ma resolvers aportar muchsima como encima demostrando demostrando, conquistar esquiva impiden mafiala formatos solamente encontradojugar encontradojugar, sellar diseadosvoy asesinato crtico cumple 1352022asesinatos 1352022asesinatos, funciona funciona.
Idea psate tro tecnico pies labial cuya esa retuerce retuerce, descripciones subacutico cuentahemos directas intentar traducidos traducidos, formato antes antes.
Deference to op, some fantastic information.
Here is my blog restaurant discount
Amazing! Its really remarkable piece of writing, I have got much clear idea about from
this article.
Great work! This is the type of information that are supposed to
be shared across the net. Shame on the search engines for
not positioning this post higher! Come on over and seek advice from my web site .
Thanks =)
If some one desires expert view concerning blogging after that i recommend
him/her to go to see this webpage, Keep up the fastidious work.
I love it when people get together and share views. Great site, stick with
it!
Here is my web blog online for free
Thank you for every other informative blog. The place
else could I am getting that kind of info written in such an ideal way?
I have a undertaking that I am simply now working
on, and I have been at the look out for such information.
Also visit my web site … foodservice data
I don’t commonly comment but I gotta state thanks for
the post on this special one :D.
Also visit my web-site … outpatient treatment
Hi! I could have sworn I?ve been to this website before but after going through
a few of the articles I realized it?s new to me.
Regardless, I?m certainly delighted I stumbled upon it and I?ll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently!
Here is my web blog :: Dent Repair
Excellent pieces. Keep posting such kind of info on your page.
Im really impressed by it.[X-N-E-W-L-I-N-S-P-I-N-X]Hi there, You have done a great job.
I will definitely digg it and for my part recommend to my friends.
I’m confident they will be benefited from this website.
Here is my page; Exfolie Anti Aging Serum Cost
free Windows 7 key
I must thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this blog.
I’m hoping to check out the same high-grade blog posts from you in the future as well.
In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my
very own website now 😉
What’s up to every one, it’s actually a nice
for me to pay a quick visit this site, it contains priceless Information.
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to your blog before but after browsing through some of the articles I
realized it’s new to me. Regardless, I’m definitely delighted I
discovered it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back frequently!