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
No matter if some one searches for his essential thing, so he/she needs to be available that in detail, so that thing is maintained over here.
Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your content seem to be running off the screen in Firefox.
I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I
figured I’d post to let you know. The style and design look great though!
Hope you get the problem resolved soon. Cheers
Have a look at my web blog – sms faster
Government Lawyer.
my blog post :: Types Of Lawyers And What They Do And Salaries
If you would like to grow your experience simply keep visiting this
website and be updated with the newest gossip posted here.
Hi there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your article seem
to be running off the screen in Safari. I’m not sure if this is
a formatting issue or something to do with browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know.
The design look great though! Hope you get the issue solved soon. Cheers
THC gummies for anxiety isolate: THC isolate is the pure kind of THC.
You really make it appear really easy together with your presentation however I find this matter to be actually something which I
feel I’d never understand. It kind of feels too complicated
and very huge for me. I am looking forward to your next submit, I’ll try to get the dangle of it!
my web site – online text messaging
I am not sure where you’re getting your info, but
great topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.
Thanks for fantastic information I was looking for this information for my mission.
I was curious if you ever thought of changing the structure 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 two images. Maybe you could space
it out better?
My blog post – mattress stores close to me; Lora,
Can you tell us more about this? I’d care to find out more details.
Remarkable! Its in fact amazing article, I have got much clear idea concerning from
this article.
Good write-up, I’m regular visitor of one’s blog,
maintain up the excellent operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for
a long time.
My webpage … Anaboloxan Review
What i do not realize is in reality how you’re now not actually much more neatly-favored than you
may be now. You are very intelligent. You realize thus
significantly relating to this topic, made me for my part consider it from a lot of numerous
angles. Its like men and women aren’t involved except it is
one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your personal stuffs excellent.
All the time deal with it up!
Also visit my page; 먹튀검증
hey there and thank you for your info ? I?ve definitely picked up something new from right here.
I did however expertise several technical points using this website, since I experienced to reload the web site many times previous to I could get it to load properly.
I had been wondering if your hosting is OK?
Not that I’m complaining, but slow loading instances times will often affect your placement
in google and could damage your high-quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.
Anyway I?m adding this RSS to my email and can look
out for a lot more of your respective interesting content.
Ensure that you update this again soon..
Have a look at my blog post; english sms
Federal government Attorney.
My web blog: types of lawyers in canada
You actually make it seem really easy with your presentation however I in finding this topic to be really something which I believe I’d by no means understand.
It kind of feels too complex and extremely large for me.
I am looking ahead in your next submit, I’ll attempt to get the grasp of it!
my blog post … free hindi sms india
En effet, en ce qui concerne Machance vous pouvez trouver deux gammes de service adaptées à vos moyens dès la création du compte-joueur.
I’ve been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog
posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this website.
Studying this information So i’m happy to show
that I’ve a very just right uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed.
I most for sure will make certain to don?t overlook this web site and
give it a look on a continuing basis.
I didn’t know that.
Yes! Finally something about Trending Movies.
I am regular reader, how are you everybody?
This article posted at this web site is genuinely pleasant.
Nice weblog heгe! Additionally youｒ website rathеr a ⅼot uⲣ vｅry faѕt!
Wһɑt host are yoս the սse of? Can I get your asssociate link in yoսr
host? I wɑnt my web site lloaded uρ as fast as
yourѕ lol.
Civil Liberty Legal Representative. Legal Malpractice Lawyers.
My blog post; different types of attorneys and what they do
What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It
positively helpful and it has aided me out loads. I’m
hoping to contribute & aid different users like its aided
me. Good job.
sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy
sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy sexy
We are a bunch of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme
in our community. Your website provided us with helpful information to work on. You have done a formidable job and our entire neighborhood will likely be thankful to you.
Here is my webpage … Vigor X Male Enhancement Gummies
Good blog! I really love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I’m
wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made.
I’ve subscribed to your feed which must
do the trick! Have a great day!
Review my web page: text message
Incredible ⲣoints. Outstanding arguments. Kеep up the amazing spirit.
Wonderful goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to
and you are just extremely wonderful. I really like
what you’ve acquired here, really like what you are stating and the way in which you say it.
You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart.
I cant wait to read much more from you. This is really a great website.
There are criminal as well as civil trial attorneys.
My homepage types of lawyers and what they do uk
Hi I am so happy I found your blog, I really found you by accident, while I was looking on Google for something else,
Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say thank you for a tremendous post
and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design),
I don?t have time to read it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also
added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read
a lot more, Please do keep up the great jo.
Feel free to visit my web-site; gym software
It’s remarkable in support of me to have a website, which
is valuable in support of my know-how. thanks admin
This excellent website really has all the information I needed about this subject and didn?t know who to ask.
Have a look at my webpage – mobile phone pentration
excellent points altogether, you just gained a new reader.
What may you recommend about your publish that you made a few days in the past?
Any positive?
Civil Liberty Legal Representative. Lawful Negligence Attorneys.
Feel free to surf to my blog – Item470705841
Link exchange is nothing else however it is just placing the other person’s webpage link on your page at suitable place and other person will also
do same in favor of you.
Also visit my blog post Mortgage Broker
Estate Preparation Lawyer.
Here is my web-site … types of lawyers and salaries in india
Have you ever considered publishing an ebook or guest
authoring on other blogs? I have a blog based upon on the same
ideas you discuss and would really like to have you share some
stories/information. I know my readers would value your work.
If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an email.
Also visit my blog – item470513846
I?m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I encounter a blog that?s equally educative and engaging,
and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue
is something not enough folks are speaking intelligently about.
I am very happy I came across this during my search for something relating to
this.
Visit my web site … deleted pics
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I
find It truly helpful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give
one thing back and aid others like you aided me.
My web page :: 먹튀사이트
You really make it seem really easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually one thing which I
believe I might by no means understand. It sort of feels too complex and extremely vast for me.
I am having a look forward to your subsequent publish, I’ll try
to get the hold of it!
My blog post :: Bookmarks
Tremendous issues here. I’m very glad to peer your article.
Thank you a lot and I’m having a look ahead to touch you. Will you
please drop me a mail?
My webpage :: free printable march calendar
گاباپنتین یک آنالوگ گاما آمینوبوتیریک اسید است که در ابتدا برای
درمان صرع تولید شد، ولی در حال حاضر
استفاده های مختلفی از جمله کاهش
درد، به خصوص دردهایی با منشأ عصبی
(مانند سردرد و کمردرد) دارد.
گاباپنتین یکی از داروهای پرمصرف از گروه داروهای ضد صرع است .
این دارو خط اول درمان نوعی صرع به نام صرع
جزئی می باشد.
در این بیماری حملات تشنج کوتاه
مدت در اثر اختلال جریان الکتریکی سلول های یک سمت مغز رخ می دهد.
از این رو علائم نیز در بخشی از بدن بروز می کند.
گاباپنتین با کاهش جریان الکتریکی
غیر طبیعی سلول های مغزی به تنهایی یا همراه با
سایر داروهای ضد صرع جهت کاهش حملات تشنج استفاده می
شود.
گاباپنتین همچنین در درمان دردهای مزمن ناشی از آسیب عصبی نیز
تجویز می شود .
این نوع درد که به درد نوروپاتیک معروف است
می تواند علل مختلفی مانند دیابت و یا زونا داشته باشد.
علاوه بر اینها گاباپنتین برای جلوگیری از
حملات میگرن نیز تجویز می گردد.
در ادامه با کلینیک اعصاب و روان هیربد همراه
باشید.
Civil Liberty Lawyer. Legal Malpractice Lawyers.
Feel free to visit my web site: item471009660
bookmarked!!, I really like your web site!
hello there and thank you for your info ? I have definitely picked up something new from
right here. I did however expertise a few technical issues using this website, since I experienced to reload the site a lot of times
previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your web host is OK?
Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will often affect
your placement in google and can damage your high-quality score if
ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I am adding this RSS to my
mobile phone email (Deandre) and could look out for
much more of your respective intriguing content.
Ensure that you update this again very soon..
I like what you guys are up too. Such smart work and reporting!
Carry on the superb works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll.
I think it will improve the value of my website :
).
Feel free to visit my website … mobile marketing for business
penis enlargement
I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the page layout of your blog?
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 1 or two pictures.
Maybe you could space it out better?
Here is my blog: 먹튀검증업체
Hello there I am so delighted I found your website, I really found you by error, while I was browsing on Google
for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like
to say thanks a lot for a fantastic post and a all round thrilling blog (I
also love the theme/design), I don?t have time to read it all at the minute but
I have bookmarked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so
when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the awesome b.
Feel free to visit my web-site :: benefits of bulk sms