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
I gοt this web site from myy budry ѡhο told me abоut thіs site and noow this time I am visiting this website and reading ѵery informatie articles oor reviews ɑt this ρlace.
Hello would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re utilizing?
I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most.
Can you suggest a good hosting provider at a honest price?
Kudos, I appreciate it!
Feel free to visit my blog post Male Enhancement Gummy Bears Reviews
I think the admin of this site is actually working hard for his web site, as here every stuff is
quality based material.
order sildenafil 100 mg [url=https://kamagratop.store/]order kamagra 100 mg for sale[/url] buy sildenafil 100 mg pill
After looking at a handful of the blog posts on your website, I honestly appreciate your technique of writing a
blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back in the near future.
Please check out my web site as well and tell me
how you feel.
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here.
The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish.
nonetheless, you command get got an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following.
unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly very
often inside case you shield this hike.
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 Movable-type on a number of websites for about a year and am
anxious about switching to another platform. I have heard fantastic things about
blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content into it?
Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!
Here is my webpage Rosell and Mary Travel concepts
Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wished
to say that I’ve truly enjoyed browsing your weblog posts.
After all I’ll be subscribing on your feed and I am hoping you write
again soon!
Touche. Great arguments. Keep up the amazing work.
I don’t know whether it’s just me or if everyone else encountering issues with your blog.
It appears as though some of the text in your content are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me
know if this is happening to them too? This might be a problem with
my internet browser because I’ve had this happen before. Many thanks
Good answer back in return of this difficulty with real arguments and describing the whole thing concerning that.
emergencyplumber.london , watersafe and myplumber.london are best emergency plumber
in london and myplumber.london is cheap emergency plumber in london
%%
Feel free to visit my homepage; vape carts (Theodore)
You are my breathing in, I possess few web logs and very sporadically run out from brand :).
Stop by my blog post … Accel Brain Booster Ingredients
Costume jewelry business plan http://83783.net/home.php?mod=space&uid=724039
I have read so many posts concerning the blogger lovers except
this paragraph is really a nice piece of writing, keep it up.
Here is my page :: perumahan di serpong
Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all people you really recognize
what you are speaking approximately! Bookmarked.
Please additionally visit my site =). We will have a
hyperlink trade agreement among us
Thank you for every other excellent article. The place else could anybody get that kind of information in such
an ideal method of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I’m
on the search for such information.
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? This piece
of writing posted at this website is actually fastidious.
I constantly spent my half an hour to read this website’s articles or reviews
all the time along with a mug of coffee.
Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to help
with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for
some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good gains.
If you know of any please share. Cheers!
I was curious if you ever considered changing the page layout of your website?
Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with
it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or 2 pictures.
Maybe you could space it out better?
Hello there! This is my first comment here so I just wanted
to give a quick shout out and say I really enjoy reading through
your blog posts. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same subjects?
Thanks a lot!
Excellent blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring
writers? I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There
are so many choices out there that I’m totally confused ..
Any tips? Appreciate it!
Why Most individuals Will never Be Nice At Top Rooftop Bars
I and also my pals have been digesting the great guides found on your site and so immediately developed
a horrible feeling I never thanked the site owner for those
tips. These people were definitely certainly warmed to
read through them and have in fact been using these things.
Many thanks for being so kind and for deciding on these kinds of marvelous subject areas most people are
really eager to be informed on. My very own sincere regret for not saying thanks to you sooner.
Here is my webpage; Keto Plan
Thanks for sharing this amazing website.
link
First off I want to say excellent blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you
don’t mind. I was interested to know how you center yourself
and clear your head prior to writing. I’ve had a difficult
time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out.
I truly do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be
wasted simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips?
Appreciate it!
For latest news you have to pay a visit world-wide-web and on world-wide-web I found this website as a most excellent site for hottest updates.
many thanks a great deal this web site is elegant and also
laid-back
Hi there, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and
i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam
comments? If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you
can recommend? I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any assistance is
very much appreciated.
Hello would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with?
I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m having a difficult time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most
blogs and I’m looking for something unique.
P.S Sorry for getting off-topic but I had to ask!
Check out my blog post: เกร็ดความรู้
Hey! I know this is somewhat 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!
Keep up the awesome job !! Lovin’ it!
link
Thanks very interesting blog!
Great article. I am facing a few of these issues as well..
Everything is very open with a precise clarification of the issues.
It was definitely informative. Your website is very helpful.
Thank you for sharing!
Affiliate progrdams for sports web site affiliate programs for the site
Slot BCA
It’s nearly impossible to find knowledgeable people about this subject, but
you sound like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Great beat ! I wish to apprwntice while you amehd your website, how can i subscribe for a blog site?
The account helped me a applicable deal. I have been a
little bit acquainted oof thyis your broadcast offered vibrant clear idea
affiliate program site affiliate programs
Keep this going please, great job!
I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your web site.
Do you ever run into any browser compatibility issues? A small number of my blog visitors
have complained about my website not working correctly in Explorer
but looks great in Safari. Do you have any ideas to
help fix this problem?
Amazing blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers?
I’m hoping to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a
paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely confused ..
Any recommendations? Appreciate it!
gmb wealth management does not
enable stock photos for profile pictures.
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate
to this fantastic blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking
and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward
to fresh updates and will talk about this website with my
Facebook group. Chat soon!
What’s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I
have found It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads.
I hope to contribute & help different users like its helped me.
Good job.
Can I simply say what a comfort to uncover an individual who
really understands what they are talking about on the net.
You definitely realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important.
A lot more people should check this out and understand this side of the story.
I was surprised you aren’t more popular given that you definitely have the gift.
Feel free to visit my website :: Prime Mushroom Brain Pills
Part-time workers face even a lot more of a disadvantage in advantages than in wage prices.
Here is my homepage: Margarito
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts.
Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently fast.
I really like your blog.. very nice colors &
theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?
Plz reply as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from.
thank you
I am Johne Wicks, a writer who guides you through java assignment help. However, with the help of experts, you’ll be able to not only eliminate all of your irrational worries but also finish all of your assignments quickly and successfully, ensuring your success. Imagine having a substitute attend your lesson in your place. Don’t you think it would be great if you “java assignment help online” service? It would greatly benefit you by relieving a lot of your stress. You will receive the one you are looking for. Nothing is more frustrating than putting in a lot of effort to study for an online statistics exam and still not feeling ready. “Do my online algebra test” is a wonderful service accessible online that provide helps to students from all around the world with their online class assistance. They are willing to accept students from other nations as well who are searching for internet learning. They are always willing to assist students with their online statistics coursework.