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
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your
weblog. You have some really good posts
and I think I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take
some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
Please send me an e-mail if interested. Regards!
Thunderstorm doors and windows help to much better management air-flow in your house
far better. Thunderstorm home windows are
great at reducing about the cool atmosphere that get into your house.
Homes built with hurricane doors and windows can see a boost their Bullet Train imdb productivity
up to 45Percent that also eventually ends up costing you a lot a lot less in your power bills.
Dead composed subject matter, Really enjoyed looking through.
My blog post; kansas city power and light hotel
thank you very post bro
Awesome article.
Look at my blog; Antoniocarletti.It
BetMGM comes fromm the joint ventre of MGM Resorts International annd Entain Group.
Feeel free to visit my blog :: borgata online casino
This weblog hhas tken up the mantle oof reporting unpalatable news.
my blog post – omg blog (Raphael)
GMB Reviews build trust for your service.
Here is my web page; amb property management
%%
Feel free to surf to my page :: play poker online (https://vegan-Weight-Loss.com)
As a Newbie, I am constantly exploring online for articles that can be of assistance to me.
Thank you
my site – business coach
My brother recommended I might like this blog.
He was entirely right. This post actually made my day.
You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for this info!
Thanks!
indonesia porn videovideo bokep tante indonesiavideo
bokep remaja indonesiavideo bokep indonesia viral
terbarukumpulan video bokep indonesiaporn video indonesiavideo bokep indonesiavideo gratis bokep indonesiavideo porn indonesia terbaru
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I
in finding It really useful & it helped me out a lot. I’m hoping
to offer something again and aid others such as you helped me.
Hi, Neat post. There is an issue together with your website in internet explorer, may
check this? IE still is the market leader and a
large component to people will leave out your excellent writing because of this problem.
Here is my blog roulette strategy
You’ve gotten among the finest websites.
click
This post is in fact a good one it helps new net people, who are wishing
for blogging.
Also visit my webpage – aksharpublishers.com
Hanoi lottery is yet another method of lottery
which is highly regarded. Particularly in the team of
gamblers who want to make money from enjoying the lottery.
Almost all of the gamblers can generate money from actively playing lottery and Thai inventory lottery.
Hanoi lottery also came in as another option. that gamblers can earn far
more from the initial Normally, we feel that everybody knows
our region’s lottery. but there are plenty of who continue
to have no idea that given that Vietnam There’s a
lottery for his property in addition. which we get in touch with the Hanoi lottery This post, as a result, delivers you to be aware of the
Hanoi lottery. in an effort to be One more channel Permitting you to
make a lot more from lottery betting.
Hanoi Lottery can be a governing administration lottery.
issued by Vietnam Therefore, it has qualities that are not Significantly unique from Thailand in our country.
For the reason that there are actually equivalent numbers and elements, individuals that obtain government
lottery tickets Normally obtain Hanoi lottery jointly.
in order to enhance the likelihood Let us get paid far more from gambling in yet another way.
by The weather with the Hanoi lottery Not pretty similar to the Thai governing administration lottery.
But there are still some discrepancies. For instance, in the 1st prize of
our property lotteries. You will discover a total of six figures and when We’re going to win this
prize All our lotteries need to have a similar quantities.
But for Hanoi lottery We have only 5 matching quantities,
We’ve got an opportunity to get the Hanoi lottery.
and been given a significant sum of money Hence, the
Hanoi lottery It can be of fascination to A lot of people. Not merely this,
whether or not we did not earn the 1st prize. Hanoi lottery also has other prizes.
Regardless of whether it’s the second prize,
the 3rd prize, the fourth prize and plenty of additional prizes.
Such as the previous quantity prize that
is not different from the lottery in Thailand So Even when you
would not get a big prize We also have a chance to get luck with
numerous prizes. that the Vietnamese governing
administration is able to pay out us Hanoi Lottery is as
a result well-liked given that the lottery in Thailand. Only that Vietnam has a little populace The Hanoi lottery is just not marketing
likewise correctly. Thus, there remain leftovers being sold into the country for
house use also. Primarily Thai individuals will prefer to invest in one another simply because
There’s an opportunity to win the prize simply.
Did you see the Hanoi lottery? Not various from lottery
in Thailand Only issued by Vietnam But when we reside in Thailand We can have to order Hanoi lottery
by means of the online market place. Cannot
be acquired in the overall market But when was it awarded?
We can certainly receive funds. since it is usually
gained for a bank account in Thailand People who get on the web Don’t waste time
traveling to collect income
GMB Reviews develop count on for your company.
Here is my homepage :: item461638424
You could definitely see your expertise within the article
you write. The arena hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who
aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. All the time follow
your heart.
Visit my web-site plumbing supplies
Hi, I log on to your new stuff on a regular basis.
Your writing style is awesome, keep doing what you’re doing!
gmb management tool Reviews construct count on for
your business.
Hello to every one, it’s truly a nice for me to visit
this web site, it includes valuable Information.
For the reason that the admin of this web site is working, no hesitation very soon it will be well-known, due
to its quality contents.
Also visit my site: Real Estate Websites
GMB does not enable stock photos for account pictures.
Also visit my web page gbm waste management
payday loan
Sports betting, football betting, cricket betting, euroleague football betting, aviator games, aviator games money – first deposit bonus up to
500 euros.Sign up bonus
GMB does not permit stock pictures for account photos.
Feel free to visit my website amb property Services
This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post.
Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!
Great blog here! Also your site loads up very fast!
What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your
host? I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol
It’s in fact very complex in this active life to listen news on TV,
therefore I only use the web for that purpose, and obtain the newest information.
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is
a very well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come
back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post.
I will definitely return.
Hi, its nice article regarding media print, we all
understand media is a great source of data.
I simply could not go away your website before suggesting that I actually loved the
standard information an individual provide in your guests?
Is gonna be back incessantly to check up on new
posts
ซึ่ง เว็บหวยออนไลน์ ไซต์ของเราก็มี หวยลาว ให้ท่านได้มาแทงกัน เราให้ราคาดีที่สุดโดยจ่ายถึงบาทละ 850 บาท นอกจากนี้ยังโปรโมชั่นอื่นๆที่รอให้พวกท่านได้มาแทงหวยกับทางเว็บของเรา หากท่านกำลังมองหาเว็บ แทงหวยออนไลน์ ที่ดีที่สุด ต้องเป็นเว็บของเราเท่านั้น เรามีระบบที่ทันสมัย รองรับการเล่นผ่านระบบ ios
/ anbdroid ทำให้สะดวกต่อการแทงอีกด้วย โดยหากใครที่กำลังมองหา เว็บหวย ที่มีคุณภาพ ต้องที่
huaynaka.info
Zvyšovanie odmien beriem, ale s tými nepriateľmi
mi to príde hlúpe, Za domom, v kríkoch pod terasou je mŕtvy muž zabitý hadmi.
Eli Lilly and Company and Incyte’s Baricitinib is the first JAK inhibitor to demonstrate
hair regrowth in a Phase 3 alopecia areata (AA) trial.
Patients with severe alopecia areata who took baricitinib 2-mg or 4-mg once daily showed a statistically significant improvement in scalp hair regrowth
compared to those randomized to placebo at Week.
Ahaa, its pleasant dialogue regarding this piece of writing at this place at this web site, I have read all
that, so at this time me also commenting here.
Hello, cool web site you’ve gotten here.
click
gmb management tool does not allow stock photos
for profile images.
Hello! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came
to look it over. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking
and will be tweeting this to my followers! Fantastic blog and
wonderful design.
Hi there Dear, are you in fact visiting this web site on a regular basis, if so then you will definitely obtain good know-how.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Women in trucking.
Regards
I like this blog so much, saved to my bookmarks.
my page – online poker games
What a data of un-ambiguity and preserveness of valuable
knowledge about unexpected feelings.
Here is my page … eVisa Application
%%
My homepage: gamble online – samaragardenandhome.com –
gmb management tool
does not allow stock photos for account images.
We are a group of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community.
Your web site provided us with useful info to work on. You’ve performed a formidable job and
our whole neighborhood will probably be grateful to you.
Stop by my web blog :: http://Pendynecapitalmanagement.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ttnews.ru%2Fuser%2FMaureen27X%2F
thank you very post bro.
Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed!
Very helpful info specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such info
much. I was looking for this certain info for a very long time.
Thank you and good luck.
Also visit my blog post :: instant play feature
I think you have observed some very interesting details, appreciate it for the post.
my webpage – kansas city power and light hotel