The budget of a country or state is so important that even the constitution cannot function without it.
The budget tells you how the government plans to raise money and the priorities it will be spent on annually.
The budget priorities are expected to cater for the security and welfare of the people, which is the primary purpose of government.
The budget when appropriated becomes a law and becomes an impeachable offense for the President or Governor to spend a kobo outside it.
The budget is the only legal way the government can solve the challenges in your community or open up socio-economic opportunities for you to benefit.
The budget and the quality or otherwise of its formulation and implementation will determine the kind of development you will get.
The budget formulation without your participation will likely not benefit you or your community. Even the President or Governor cannot help you at this point.
The budget implementation without your engagement will likely lead to mismanagement of the monies allocated, corruption and poor service delivery by government.
The budget is owned by the citizens not the President or Governor.
Ignore the annual budget at your own risk.
Are you wondering how to participate?
The first step is to be INTERESTED in the budget, then be INFORMED about the process (go online or attend a civil society training), INVOLVE yourself with active citizens engaging it, work collaboratively with them to take INITIATIVES to engage the process, be INNOVATIVE in your approach to get results, and INSIST until you achieve your goal.
Lets engage, ask the right questions and hold the government accountable.
Y.I.Goje
Active Citizen
