Proactive Vigilance: How Citizens can hold their government accountable
Oludotun Babayemi
July 18, 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
Hurrah! After all I got a webpage from where
I can genuinely take useful information concerning my study and
knowledge.
You actually make it appear so easy along
with your presentation but I to find this topic to be really one thing
that I think I’d by no means understand. It sort of feels too complicated and extremely extensive for
me. I am taking a look forward on your next post, I will try to get
the hang of it!
Hello, Neat post. There is an issue together with your website in internet
explorer, might test this? IE nonetheless is the market chief and a huge section of
folks will pass over your fantastic writing due
to this problem.
It’s the best time to make some plans for the long run and
it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I may just I
want to suggest you few fascinating issues or advice.
Maybe you could write subsequent articles relating to this article.
I desire to learn even more things about it!
We stumbled over here coming from a different web address and thought I may as
well check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you.
Look forward to going over your web page for a second time.
I dugg some of you post as I cogitated they were handy very useful.
Thanks for finally talking about > Proactive Vigilance: How
Citizens can hold their government accountable < Liked it!
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
Look advanced to more added agreeable from you!
By the way, how can we communicate?
Fascinating blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A theme like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog shine.
Please let me know where you got your theme. Thanks a lot
whoah this weblog is magnificent i like reading your articles.
Keep up the good work! You know, lots of individuals are hunting round for this info,
you can help them greatly.
ستاد سگالیدن درنگ حرف هنگفت از
بیمه ها رو شرط دادن است که طرف آگاهیها اغلب می توانید توسط جایگاه رایزنی
مکث برماسیدن بهره کنید. رسیدن سوگند به حیطه های درهم
درمان باید کاملاً از طرف
درمانگر باب بررسی راندهوو تاریک باشد.
تامینات های زیر مروارید گزینه تن باره شایستگی و
سازمان صواب بیاندازه معتبر
است. بهقصد فهمیدن دکتر روانشناس خوش سرپوش تهران لازم است ویژگیهای نشاندادن شده در مورد یک روانشناس خوش را حتماً مدنظر قول دهید.
آری که اگر پزشک، توانایی درمان کسان به شرایط مختلف
را نداشته باشد، قطعاً نه
وحید بهعلت پیشینه موثر خود او نفرتانگیز خواهد بود، ونکه مدخل زندگی مستقبل بیمار نیز کارگری مخربی خواهد داشت.
خصوصاً اگر آهنگ داشته باشند درباره روابط عاطفی و یا زناشویی همراه وی
همراهی کنند. اینکه روانشناس به روانپزشک و ایا
طبیبی همراهی دارد همانند مدخل تمثال اقتضا سم درمانی شما را
بر دوش بگیرد. بهترین دکتر روانشناس تهران دکتر روانشناس داخل تهران غالبا از درمان های تاثیرگذاری فایدهستانی می کند.
روانشناس هر نوبت مراسم سالروزدرگذشت یکبار باید روادید موضوع
خود را تمدید کند و بهطرف تداوم بخشیدن باید 36 یکا نوین تو
بخش های درهم روانشناسی بگذراند و این
دستور به این فرنود شرط دراز کردن گذرنامه سرنوشت است که
روانشناس بینش های خود را مروارید زمینه تحقیقات، آساها ایالتی، فراخویی حرفه ای و
راهکار های درمانی Update نماید. یک بیمانند زمانی که سفرجل دنبال بهترین روانشناس میگردد،
قطعاً به شیوه انگاره سفرجل وی واگذاری خواهد کرد.
Fantastic items from you, man. I have be aware your stuff prior
to and you are simply extremely magnificent. I really like what you’ve got here, really
like what you are stating and the best way during which you are saying
it. You are making it enjoyable and you still take care of to stay it smart.
I cant wait to read far more from you. That is really a wonderful web
site.
Link exchange is nothing else however it is just placing the other person’s blog link on your page at proper place and other person will also do same in support of you.
You are a very clever person!
Here is my blog post: Condor CBD Gummies
Hey! 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 suggestions?
It’s really a cool and helpful piece of information. I am happy that you simply shared this helpful info with us.
Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
I think what you published made a ton of sense. But, think about this, suppose you added a little information? I mean, I don’t wish to tell you how to run your website, however what if you
added a post title that grabbed folk’s attention?
I mean Proactive Vigilance: How Citizens can hold their government accountable is a little boring.
You should glance at Yahoo’s home page and see how they create post titles to get people interested.
You might add a video or a pic or two to get people interested about what you’ve written. In my opinion, it could bring your posts a
little livelier.
Discover on-page 1 of Google, you may not geet considerably enterprise but is not everyone can be on the
first page. So, you’ll need tto improve Search Engine Optimisation.
Here is my blog: wordpress plugin speed up load time
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed
browsing your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing on your feed and I am hoping you
write once more soon!
If you are going for finest contents like me,
simply go to see this site daily for the reason that it offers feature contents,
thanks
my site – plaque design
Wow! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a completely different subject
but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Great choice of colors!
Why users still use to read news papers when in this technological world the whole thing
is existing on net?
Feel free to visit my web-site :: crystal award shop in Terengganu
Very good blog post. I certainly love this site. Keep it up!
Hello there! This article couldn’t be written any better!
Going through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
He constantly kept talking about this. I’ll send this
post to him. Fairly certain he’s going to have a very good read.
I appreciate you for sharing!
Also visit my site award shops near me
Very soon this website will be famous among all
blogging users, due to it’s pleasant content
Also visit my web page trophy supplier Malaysia
I love what you guys are usually up too. This type of
clever work and coverage! Keep up the wonderful works guys I’ve added you guys to my
blogroll.
This post is genuinely a fastidious one it assists new web
viewers, who are wishing for blogging.
gгeat submіt, very informative. I ponder wѡhy the opposite experts of this seｃtor
don’t realize this. You should continue your writing.I am confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base
already!
Feel free to surf t᧐ my web page – buttfuck
Hi! Someone in my Myspace group shared this
website with us so I came to look it over. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to
my followers! Superb blog and brilliant style and design.
Aw, this was an extremely good post. Taking the time and actual effort to create a
top notch article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and never seem to get anything done.
Can I simply say what a relief to find somebody
who actually understands what they’re discussing on the internet.
You certainly understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important.
More people have to check this out and understand this side of your story.
I was surprised that you’re not more popular given that you certainly possess the
gift.
Amazing! Its in fact awesome article, I have got much clear
idea about from this paragraph.
The venerable practice of turning of unneeded devices
and lighting fixtures when departing an area continues to
be very efficient. Turning off the lights will add up to great Thor: Love and
Thunder yahoo news price savings after a while.
Additionally, you will notice a lowering of your electricity bill.
Hi there, I enjoy reading through your article. I like to write
a little comment to support you.
naturally like your web-site however you need to check
the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many
of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very
bothersome to tell the truth however I’ll surely come again again.
Thanks for the marvelous posting! I really
enjoyed reading it, you will be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog
and will eventually come back someday. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great job, have a nice afternoon!
my website: Condolence Messages
I got this web site from my buddy who informed me about this website and now this
time I am visiting this web site and reading very informative content
at this time.
my page; trophy supplier near me
Hey there! I’ve been reading your web site for a long time
now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Porter Tx!
Just wanted to mention keep up the fantastic work!
Thanks on your marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed
reading it, you could be a great author. I will be sure
to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back at some point.
I want to encourage you continue your great job, have
a nice weekend!
I was recommended this website by my cousin. I am now not
certain whether this post is written through him as nobody else recognize such exact about my trouble.
You’re incredible! Thank you!
Here is my blog post: oscar trophy Penang
Just desire to say your article is as astounding.
The clearness in your post is simply great and i can assume you are
an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me
to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post.
Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work.
Excellent post. I definitely love this website.
Stick with it!
Here is my website медиатор София
What’s up mates, fastidious article and fastidious urging
commented at this place, I am truly enjoying by these.
My page – trophy supplier near me
If you want to improve your know-how only keep visiting
this website and be updated with the newest news posted here.
I enjoy what you guys are up too. Such clever work and coverage!
Keep up the good works guys I’ve included you guys to blogroll.
What’s up to all, how is everything, I think every
one is getting more from this website, and your views
are nice designed for new visitors.
Hello colleagues, how is everything, and what you desire
to say about this piece of writing, in my view its actually remarkable in support of me.
Also visit my website :: Malaysia Award Shops
What a material of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious experience regarding unpredicted feelings.
It’s enormous that you are getting ideas from this post as well as from
our discussion made here.
Aw, this was an incredibly nice post. Taking the time and actual
effort to create a great article… but what can I say… I
procrastinate a lot and don’t seem to get anything done.
Look at my web blog TikMate TikTok Downloader