Proactive Vigilance: How Citizens can hold their government accountable

“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:

Follow The Money

Citizens can at every stage of this budget cycle engage their various government, but limited participation is expected during during formulation

  1. 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.
  2. 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)
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. 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

                                                                                From left, Oludotun Babayemi, Nkem and the BBC Media Action Writers

 

AboutOludotun Babayemi
Oludotun Babayemi is a Monitoring and Evaluation Expert with over 10 years of Experience. He is a Stanford University Center on Democracy, development and Rule of Law (CDDRL) and the Co-Founder of CODE/Follow The Money. His area of Interest is Governance and Citizen Participation in Sub-Saharan Africa;

Comments (33427)

  1. 21 September 2022

    It’s an amazing piece of writing for all the internet visitors;
    they will get advantage from it I am sure.

    Take a look at my page – buy now pay later appliances

    Reply
  2. 21 September 2022

    Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account
    it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you!
    By the way, how can we communicate? https://independent.academia.edu/enshaa2BOIG

    Reply
  3. 21 September 2022

    gmb management software does not
    enable stock pictures for account images.

    Reply
  4. 21 September 2022

    whoah this weblog is wonderful i really like studying your articles.
    Stay up the great work! You understand, a lot of individuals are looking
    round for this info, you can help them greatly.

    Reply
  5. 21 September 2022

    thanks considerably this fabulous website can be conventional
    in addition to simple

    Reply
  6. Hello there, You have done a great job. I will definitely digg it and personally suggest to my
    friends. I am confident they will be benefited
    from this site.

    Reply
  7. 21 September 2022

    Hurrah, that’s what I was looking for, what a stuff!
    existing here at this weblog, thanks admin of this website. https://www.ulule.com/enshaa2/

    Reply
  8. 21 September 2022

    %%

    Take a look at my web site :: Live (Umbriagolfcenter.Com)

    Reply
  9. 21 September 2022

    Gmb Management Consulting does not allow supply photos for profile images.

    Reply
  10. 21 September 2022

    double diamond top up ff
    free fire top up centre 100 bonus
    free fire top up bonus
    ff diamond top up
    double top up free fire
    free fire double diamond top up website india
    free fire top up centre
    freefire topup
    free fire diamond top up 100 bonus
    ff top up center
    ff double diamond top up
    double diamond top up ff india
    garena free fire top up
    garena free fire topup
    first time top up
    free fire double top up
    double top up
    free fire double diamond
    double diamonds top up free fire
    free fire double diamond top up india
    topup center in
    freefire duniya in
    freefire top up center
    free fire top up center
    diamond top up website
    topup center.in
    freefire duniya.in
    diamond topup website
    double diamond top up website in free fire
    garena free fire top up diamonds
    double diamond top up link
    top up center
    diamond top up
    freefire dimonds.com
    free fire duniya in
    double diamond top up centre
    free fire top up bonus website in india
    free fire top up bonus website
    freefire topup discount
    freefire topup bonus website
    ff top up bonus
    ff double top up
    double top up website
    double diamonds free fire
    double diamond top up website
    double diamond free fire
    free fire top up
    topup in free fire
    free fire diamond bonus
    top up garena
    free fire double diamond top up link 2021
    topup.in free fire
    free fire top up offer
    double diamond website
    100 diamond top up
    top up in free fire
    free fire discount top up
    garena topup centre 100 bonus
    free fire top up website in india
    free fire first top up double diamond
    free fire first top up
    best top up website for ff
    top up free
    free top up
    free fire double diamond top up apps
    freefire topup center
    garena free fire top up centre
    free fire bonus diamond top up
    free fire top up offers
    free fire free top up
    how to topup in free fire
    free fire top up bonus websites
    free fire bonus top up
    double top up free fire garena
    diamonds topup.in
    top up centre
    garena topup center india
    free fire cheap diamond top up
    ff diamond top up 100 bonus
    free fire topup center
    free fire top
    free fire 25 diamonds top up
    garena free fire top up diamonds free in india
    games topup
    free fire diamond double
    top up double diamonds in free fire
    freefire topup site
    free fire top up site
    garena topup center 100 bonus
    ff top up website
    double diamond top up free fire
    double diamond top up center
    top up ff
    free fire 25 diamond top up
    free fire bonus diamond top up website
    free fire top up website bonus
    free fire top up centre 100 bonus in india
    all game top up
    free fire diamond purchase website
    free fire diamond.com top up
    ff diamond top up website
    ff diamond website
    topup center
    top up website
    free fire top up double app
    free fire 200 diamonds top up
    discount top up free fire
    free fire top up bonus diamond
    free fire diamond top up website india
    free fire 100 bonus top up
    double diamonds in free fire
    bonus diamond top up website
    first time top up bonus
    first time top up garena
    free fire top up sites
    free fire diamond top up offer
    free fire top up discount website
    double bonus top up free fire
    free fire double diamond website
    how to top up in free fire
    game top up
    garena free fire top up centre 100 bonus
    top up game
    games top up
    free fire top up india
    free fire free diamond top up
    top up website free fire
    free fire diamond shop
    free fire 10 rupees offer top up
    free fire free diamonds top up
    free fire diamond buy
    diamond top up free fire
    free fire top up double
    free fire duniya in top up
    free fire duniya.in topup
    free fire duniya in topup
    garena topup centre paytm
    free fire top up diamond
    freefire site
    free fire diamond top up application
    free fire top up diamonds
    garena topup centre india
    free fire top up website
    free fire top up web
    free fire free diamond topup
    free fire top up free
    free fire diamond top up website
    free fire diamond purchase
    double diamond top up free fire game
    games kharido.in shop
    games kharido free fire top up
    diamonds shop free fire
    shop garena free fire
    free diamond top up
    free fire diamond top up app
    game kharido free fire top up
    free top up in free fire
    free fire double diamonds link
    free fire diamond free top up
    ff diamond top up free
    double diamond top up games kharido
    top up games
    free fire top up.in
    free fire 40 rs top up 100 diamond
    free fire new top up
    free fire diamond top up double bonus
    g g top up
    free fire topup center india
    free fire top up centre games kharido
    free fire top up centre 100 bonus paytm
    free fire diamond website top up
    double diamond in free fire
    top up diamond
    official diamond top up
    new top up website
    garena topup centre bonus
    free fire top up centre india
    free fire shop.in diamond
    free fire diamond top up centre
    free fire diamond recharge
    ff diamond official
    diamond shop free fire
    free fire topup.in
    free fire shop in diamond
    free fire diamond top up discount
    fifa top up
    ff first top up
    double diamond top up garena
    100 top up bonus free fire
    garena top up bonus
    free fire top up page
    free fire top up near me
    free fire diamonds bonus
    free fire diamond double bonus
    free fire 40 rs top up
    topup free fire pk
    top up free fire pk
    top up free fire bonus
    shop grena sg
    online top up free fire
    in game top up centre
    garena topup double diamond
    garena diamond topup
    game top up double bonus
    free fire top up 100 bonus
    free fire new topup website
    ff center
    fast top up free fire
    e diamond center free fire
    double diamond top up site
    buy diamonds free fire
    top up link
    pulonga.com free fire
    how to top up free fire
    garena free fire top up website
    free fire top up games kharido
    free fire top up application
    free fire diamond discount
    codashop.com free fire
    top up shop near me
    shop grena.sg
    select game for top up
    garena shop
    garena double diamond top up
    garena diamond top up
    garena center
    game kharido top up centre
    free fire top up shop
    free fire payment center
    free fire diamond top up link
    free fire 10 rupees offer top up online
    ff diamond shop
    cheap diamond free fire
    best website for top up in free fire
    game top up centre
    game kharido.com free fire top up
    game kharido com free fire top up
    free fire top up 40 rs
    free fire shop diamond
    free fire mein top up
    free fire garena top up
    free fire diamonds offer
    free fire diamond topup site
    free fire 1 diamond top up paytm
    ff diamond free
    diamond shop in free fire
    diamond center free fire
    diamond buy free fire
    all game top up free fire
    all game top up com

    Reply
  11. 21 September 2022

    I’m excited to find this web site. I need to to thank you for your time just for this
    wonderful read!! I definitely appreciated every part of
    it and I have you book-marked to check out new stuff in your
    website.

    Look at my web site: virgin cbd oil

    Reply
  12. 21 September 2022

    I think this is among the such a lot significant information for me.
    And i am glad studying your article. But want to statement on some normal issues, The site taste is great,
    the articles is in point of fact great : D. Good job, cheers

    Reply
  13. 21 September 2022

    Hi there, just became alert to your blog
    through Google, and found that it’s really informative. I’m
    gonna watch out for brussels. I will be grateful if you continue this iin future.
    Many people will be benefited from yokur writing.
    Cheers!
    homepage

    Reply
  14. 21 September 2022

    I ƅelieve everything wrote made a lot of sense.
    H᧐wever, what about this? what if you were to creaate a
    awesome headline? I ain’t saying oᥙr information isn’t gօod,
    bbut what if you added something that mаkes
    people want more? I mmean Proactive Vigilance: Howw Ciizens can hold theіr
    government accountable is a little plain. You might glance at Yahoo’s front page and see how tey create post titles to get
    viewers tо oрen the links. You might trry adԁing a video or a picture oor two to grab peoplрe interesated about everything’ve written. In my oρinion, iit might bring үߋur posts ɑ little ⅼivelier.

    Reply
  15. I don’t even know how I stopped up right here, however I thought this
    post was great. I do not realize who you’re however certainly you are going
    to a well-known blogger in case you are not already.
    Cheers!

    Reply
  16. 21 September 2022

    Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thanks, However I am going through troubles with your RSS.
    I don’t know the reason why I cannot subscribe to
    it. Is there anybody getting the same RSS problems?
    Anybody who knows the answer will you kindly respond?

    Thanks!! https://hubpages.com/@enshaa2

    Reply
  17. 21 September 2022

    Users can evaluation important, critical,
    and reasonable interactions in the Health app. An imbalance
    or weakness in these muscles can result in pelvic misalignment, which normally causes
    the pelvis to tilt ahead or backward. Pulling within the abdominals and repositioning the pelvis in order that
    the tailbone factors all the way down to the flooring can appropriate this misalignment.
    Awareness of body positioning will cut back situations of extended misalignment while standing.
    Therese C. Pfrimmer developed this massage approach after she
    became partially paralyzed whereas working in a laundry
    service. Although the National Park Service has established no formal campgrounds in the park, camping
    is out there at a variety of private campgrounds.
    Elias National Park stands out for the sheer audacity of its topography — no small claim in a
    land where mountains and glaciers go on for tons of of miles
    at a stretch. Located near the Phuket resort area,
    The Sarojin has been named Asia’s most luxurious small lodge for several
    years in a row by the World Travel Awards. How long
    ought to I row to get the most out of my workout? The inexperienced factor to do is to squeeze
    as a lot life out of them as attainable and lower the general amount of batteries that you’re going to want in your lifetime.

    Reply
  18. 21 September 2022

    GMB does not permit supply pictures for account pictures.

    Feel free to visit my web page :: contass Management gmbh

    Reply
  19. 21 September 2022

    Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you,
    However I am encountering troubles with your RSS. I don’t understand why I can’t join it.

    Is there anyone else having similar RSS issues? Anybody who
    knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanks!!

    Here is my website :: cheap rush printing

    Reply
  20. 21 September 2022

    I think this web site contains very great written content posts.

    my website :: Bookmarks

    Reply
  21. 21 September 2022

    I’ve been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or blog posts on this kind
    of space . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this web site.

    Studying this information So i am satisfied to convey that I’ve an incredibly excellent
    uncanny feeling I came upon just what I needed. I such a
    lot definitely will make sure to don?t overlook this website and give it a glance on a relentless basis.

    Here is my blog post … casino gamblin

    Reply
  22. 21 September 2022

    I went over this website and I believe you have a lot of great info, bookmarked (:.

    Also visit my webpage :: Oil- Health Benefits

    Reply
  23. 21 September 2022

    I enjoy reading through a post that can make men and
    women think. Also, many thanks for allowing me to comment!

    Reply
  24. 21 September 2022

    Hi, after reading this awesome piece of writing i am
    too cheerful to share my familiarity here with colleagues. https://sites.google.com/view/enshaa2/

    Reply
  25. 21 September 2022

    GMB does not permit supply pictures for account images.

    My blog post: amb property management

    Reply
  26. 21 September 2022

    Hello there! This article couldn’t be written any better!
    Going through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He always kept talking about this. I most certainly will send this article to him.
    Pretty sure he’s going to have a very good read. I appreciate you for sharing! https://enshaa2com.bandcamp.com/album/-

    Reply
  27. I’ve ⅼearn a few excellent stuff here. Certainly value booқmarking
    for revisiting. I surprise hoԝ so mucһ attempt you set to make such a great informative web site.

    My ᴡeb ρage: สล็อตแตกง่าย 2022

    Reply
  28. 21 September 2022

    I got this web page from my friend who told me concerning this website and now this time I am browsing this web site and reading very informative
    content at this time.

    my blog post :: random chat

    Reply
  29. 21 September 2022

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate your efforts and I will be
    waiting for your next post thanks once again.

    My page … skip hire randburg

    Reply
  30. 21 September 2022

    It’s appropriate time to make a few plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
    I’ve learn this post and if I may just I wish to suggest you some fascinating
    things or tips. Perhaps you could write subsequent articles
    referring to this article. I desire to learn even more issues approximately it!

    Reply
  31. 21 September 2022

    It’s an awesome article for all the web visitors; they will get benefit
    from it I am sure.

    my webpage :: buy now pay later furniture

    Reply
  32. 21 September 2022

    Remarkable! Its in fact remarkable article, I have
    got much clear idea regarding from this piece of writing. https://enshaa2com.dreamwidth.org/500.html

    Reply
  33. I believe this website contains very fantastic indited content
    material content.

    my web-site :: health benefits of essential oils

    Reply
  34. 21 September 2022

    Some of the students think that Dissertation Writing is as easy as assignments and almost every person can write it without a lot of hard work. However, it’s a myth as indeed dissertation is a long piece of work submitted while pursuing degree or any qualified course. It is a process in which you have to do in-depth research and after making a proper report, you need to arrange it on a paper. Our Australian dissertation writing services will offer you the best assignment help within the given time limit.

    Reply
  35. 21 September 2022

    I am curious to find out what blog platform you are working with?

    I’m experiencing some minor security problems with my latest website and I’d
    like to find something more risk-free. Do you have any suggestions?

    Reply
  36. 21 September 2022

    I like this blog so much, saved to favorites.

    Feel free to visit my site; web based casinos

    Reply
  37. 21 September 2022

    GMB does not allow supply pictures for account images.

    Here is my web-site Bookmarks

    Reply
  38. 21 September 2022

    Pretty sectkon of content. I just stumbled upon your website and
    in accession cpital too assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account yyour
    blog posts. Anywayy I will be subscribing to your feeds and evdn I achievement
    you access consistently quickly.
    의정부 교정

    Reply
  39. 21 September 2022

    Fascinating blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
    A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog shine.

    Please let me know where you got your theme. Many thanks

    Here is my web-site Porno

    Reply
  40. 21 September 2022

    Hi, I want to subscribe for this blog to take hottest updates, thus where can i do it
    please assist.

    my blog – random chat

    Reply
  41. 21 September 2022

    You use physics every day even if you don’t totally understand its laws and principles. You can apply the information you get at school and in college to manage with some tasks more successfully. Write AN introduction that gives general info on the subject. It must be a general course providing background or context to the subject for readers to induce a general understanding of the topic you’re planning to discuss. Ask for the “do my physics homework”, your introduction ought to have an overview of problems that you simply can investigate in your assignment however while not abundant details. Therefore, we recommend you focus on more important tasks and let us take care of these ones. We will find an educated and capable expert who can solve all the problems on different topics in physics.

    Reply
  42. 21 September 2022

    Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?
    I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard
    on. Any tips? https://enshaa2.ampedpages.com/

    Reply
  43. 21 September 2022

    porn

    Reply
  44. 21 September 2022

    Yesterday, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a thirty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation.
    My apple ipad is now destroyed and she has 83 views.
    I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it
    with someone! https://my.scorecloud.com/user/ac57845503476b69f4101375af0ba4e1/enshaa2

    Reply
  45. 21 September 2022

    GMB does not permit supply photos for profile pictures.

    My web site :: item467437290

    Reply
  46. 21 September 2022

    I’ve been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or blog
    posts in this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I
    at last stumbled upon this web site. Reading this information So i am satisfied
    to show that I have a very good uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed.
    I most certainly will make sure to do not fail to remember this site and provides it a look on a continuing basis.

    Reply
  47. 21 September 2022

    Bardzo podobają mi się Twoje informacje na weblogu, stworzyłem podobny content,
    który może ciebie zainteresować i będę wdzięczny jeśli rzucisz swoim fachowym
    okiem i dasz znać co o nim myślisz: https://grupaone.pl/

    Reply
  48. 21 September 2022

    My developer is trying to persuade me to move
    to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because
    of the costs. But he’s tryiong none the less.
    I’ve been using WordPress on various websites for about
    a year and am concerned about switching to
    another platform. I have heard excellent things
    about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can import
    all my wordpress posts into it? Any help would be really appreciated!

    Also visit my web page … calendário setembro

    Reply
  49. 21 September 2022

    Its such as you read my thoughts! You seem to grasp
    so much approximately this, such as you wrote
    the guide in it or something. I feel that you just could do with a
    few percent to power the message home a
    bit, however instead of that, that is magnificent blog.
    A fantastic read. I will definitely be back.

    Feel free to visit my homepage; Cursos online

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.