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
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a
lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit,
but instead of that, this is great blog. An excellent read.
I will certainly be back.
My page; september calendar printable
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment
is added I get several emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
Thank you!
I am actually pleased to read this website posts
which includes plenty of valuasble information, thanks for providing such data.
Visit my web page – blvn.net
Do you have any video of that? I’d care to find out some additional information. พนันออนไลน์ มีอะไรบ้าง
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thank you so much, However I am having problems with your
RSS. I don’t know why I can’t join it. Is there anybody having similar RSS problems?
Anybody who knows the solution can you kindly respond?
Thanx!!
Withings has crafted a superb piece of hardware which may truly beat the Fitbit One at its personal game.
Pretty nice post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wished to mention that I have really loved browsing your blog posts.
In any case I will be subscribing on your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!
Bothon-campusandoff-campus student jobsare
available to KU students.
My web-site … 800prudential.biz
I didn’t know that.
Just desire to say your article is as astounding. The clearness in your post is
just nice and i can assume you are an expert on this subject.
Fine with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post.
Thanks a million and please continue the enjoyable work.
Superb blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring writers?
I’m hoping to start my own blog 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 options out there that I’m totally confused ..
Any tips? Cheers!
Have a look at my web page: buy hcg
Selamat datang dan bermain ke dalam situs TEXAS77, Website TEXAS77 merupakan salah satu situs slot online deposit pulsa terpercaya di indonesia, dengan bermain ke dalam situs texas77 anda akan mendapatkan kemudahan dalam bermain dan juga kemudahan di dalam mendapatkan kemenangan dalam bermain slot online. daftarkan diri anda segera hanya di TEXAS77 ( https://texas77xyz.blogspot.com/2022/07/daftar-website-judi-slot-gacor.html )
As the admin of this web page is working, no question very
quickly it will be famous, due to its quality contents.
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any
widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was
hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like
this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy
reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading
it, you happen to be a great author.I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and
will often come back in the future. I want to encourage one to continue your great writing, have a nice evening!
Great work! This is the type of information that are supposed to be
shared across the web. Shame on Google for now not positioning this submit upper!
Come on over and talk over with my website . Thanks
=)
Hi it’s me, I am also visiting this website regularly,
this site is in fact fastidious and the users
are actually sharing good thoughts.
This is a topic which is near to my heart… Take care!
Exactly where are your contact details though?
I like what you guys tend to be up too. This kind of clever work and exposure!
Keep up the very good works guys I’ve included you guys to my
own blogroll.
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 a lot often inside case you shield this increase.
wonderful points altogether, you simply won a
emblem new reader. What might you recommend about
your post that you made some days ago? Any sure?
There are two primary groups of realty: industrial and property.
Business real estate is bought and sold with the intent to earn a profit, and
includes land that is made use of for a company.
Some realty proprietors lease their land to other businesses, while
others own businesses themselves. Industrial realty, on the other hand, entails land
that is used to produce items. It can likewise include ranches, mines,
as well as manufacturing facilities. The objective of each of these classifications is to earn money as well as produce jobs for
people.
Residential property consists of real estate
for people, households, and groups. Single-family residences are one sort of
home, however there are additionally multifamily apartment buildings, condominiums, as well as townhouses.
Residential real estate likewise includes high-value houses.
Commercial real estate, on the other hand, includes office complex, going shopping malls, and medical and also various other centers.
Industrial residential properties also include land, stockrooms, and also various other facilities that distribute
items. The key distinction between the two kinds is that residential property is far more pricey than commercial residential or commercial property.
Real estate is land and also any type of long-term improvements that are
improved it. This consists of buildings, roads, as well as structures.
Furthermore, residential or commercial property rights include natural deposits, including minerals, plants, and also water.
Untaught land is also realty, yet designers can incorporate untaught land in order to
enhance its value as well as density. For instance, a programmer may
construct an apartment building on the same piece of land as a
strip facility, or rezone land to permit more individuals to reside
on it.
As a whole, investment home is a secure, steady, as well as profitable
financial investment. Financial investment residential or commercial property
is usually rented as well as cost a revenue, and investors can generate income by marketing it at a higher rate
than it set you back to buy it. Nonetheless, it should be kept in mind that property recognition is not an assurance.
And also if you are not cautious, you can end up shedding cash.
You ought to constantly make certain to research your real
estate financial investments meticulously.
Commercial property is a vital part of the economic situation. As more
people shop online, they require products that are supplied faster.
Industrial real estate is additionally an outstanding investment,
as its value is most likely to enhance in time.
Nevertheless, you need to have a good understanding of the property organization before spending.
In the United States, the realty market is valued at regarding $14 trillion, and commercial
residential property deserves $17 trillion. Therefore, business property transactions can be
difficult. Large business real estate companies frequently work with buyers,
vendors, loan providers, and institutional investors.
As an agent, the first thing you need to do is take a look at what your competitors are charging for comparable homes
in your area. Then, contrast what your residential or commercial property would
certainly cost to see if you can match the price. This will assist you pick the
appropriate cost for your home and additionally guarantee that you make the very
best use of your time. It is additionally an excellent suggestion to
make a business strategy how to market your house. When you have your service strategy and personal vision in position, you can start making a profit.
I will right away snatch your rss as I can’t to find your email subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service.
Do you’ve any? Kindly permit me recognize so that
I could subscribe. Thanks.
I am not certain the place you’re getting your info, however great topic.
I needs to spend some time learning much more or figuring out more.
Thanks for magnificent info I was in search of this information for
my mission.
Spot on with this write-up, I seriously feel
this website needs much more attention. I’ll probably be
back again to see more, thanks for the advice!
Written interview essay format http://yuanyuanzhijia.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=259751
Adding the objects to your policy will lead to your month-to-month premiums to go up slightly.
Feel free to surf to my site: Rhoda
Greetings! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are
you using for this website? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for
another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me
in the direction of a good platform.
I always used to read post in news papers but now as I
am a user of net thus from now I am using net for articles, thanks to
web.
Hey, you used to write fantastic, but the last few posts have been kinda boring…
I miss your great writings. Past several posts
are just a little bit out of track! come on!
Feel free to visit my web-site Pure Glow Cream Review
When I originally commented I clicked tthe “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is
added I get several emails with the ssme comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
Thanks!
my web-site: Air Bubble
Your initially stop for the most up-to-date jobs in the domestic and sexual violence sector across the UK.
Feel free to surf to my web blog: 밤알바
Hello! I simply would like to give you a huge thumbs up for the excellent information you’ve got right here on this post.
I am returning to your web site for more soon.
my webpage – toronto criminal defence lawyer
Hi it’s me, I am also visiting this site on a regular basis, this web page is really
good and the viewers are actually sharing fastidious thoughts.
my page – Women’s vacation clothes
As a channel, social media represents a truly distinctive opportunity to have interaction with customers, and that means understanding what drives them.
I’ve been surfing online greater than three hours today, but I by no means discovered any fascinating
article like yours. It’s beautiful worth enough for me.
In my opinion, if all website owners and bloggers made excellent content as you probably did, the net will likely be much more useful than ever before.
Also visit my web-site – all-in-one real estate brokerage software
Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up
and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly.
I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same results.
Undeniably consider that that you stated. Your favorite justification seemed to be at the web the easiest thing to be mindful of.
I say to you, I definitely get annoyed whilst other people consider worries that they just do not recognize about.
You managed to hit the nail upon the top as neatly as defined
out the whole thing with no need side effect , folks could
take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks
Feel free to visit my web blog – minecraft coloring book
Simply want to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness
in your post is just nice and i could assume you’re an expert on this subject.
Fine with your permission let me to grasp your RSS feed to keep
up to date with approaching post. Thanks 1,000,000 and please continue the enjoyable work.
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here.
The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish.
nonetheless, you command get got an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following.
unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot
often inside case you shield this hike.
I quite like reading through an article that will make people think.
Also, many thanks for allowing me to comment!
my blog … transactions forms and esignatures
Very nice article, eхactly what I wanted tto find.
Solar energy can temperature h2o for a cheaper expense.
Think about choosing a The Invitation boxoffice hot water heater.
You can find solutions and ultimately. Indirect solutions are the most useful alternative for those
who have frosty winter months and concern yourself with pipes in the winter
months.
magnificent publish, very informative. I’m wondering why the other specialists of this
sector don’t understand this. You should proceed your writing.
I’m confident, you’ve a great readers’ base already!
What’s up, after reading this remarkable piece of writing i am as well happy to share my know-how here
with friends.
This is my first time visit at here and i am truly pleassant to read all at alone place.
My page … best dui lawyer toronto
I blog often and I really appreciate your information. This article has really peaked my interest.
I’m going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information about once per week.
I opted in for your Feed as well.
my page :: all-in-one real estate brokerage software
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about Best Women’s Athletic Sneakers Shoes for Morton’s Neuroma.
Regards
After exploring a few of the articles on your web site,
I seriously like your technique of blogging. I saved it to my bookmark site list and will
be checking back in the near future. Please visit my website as well
and tell me what you think.
Hey there would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re
working with? I’m looking to start my own blog soon but I’m having a hard time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking
for something completely unique. P.S Apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!