Social Accountability

by Emmanuella Ozioma Igboko

Do you know that you are responsible for every piece of information you share on social media?

How often do you verify information before passing it on? Or do you just forward it as received?

Do you always take responsibility for your actions, or do you find a way to blame it on others or “circumstances”?

Very often, we are quick to blame and judge the government, society, religious leaders, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, every other service provider, our family, friends, neighbors, love interests, even our ancestors, anybody but ourselves.

We tend to refer to our rights as humans, but shockingly, most people have no idea what these rights are.

Are you aware that for every right and entitlement, there are also duties and responsibilities?

Which brings me to this question: how often do we take responsibility for the choices we make?

After electing people to positions of power, we go ahead to blame them for their inability to perform or meet our expectations. Rather than take responsibility for our poor choices and find ways to make things work, we play the victim card, forgetting that those people did not force their way into those positions but were chosen and inaugurated by the people.

We act like our leaders are aliens from other planets who took over our world, without our notice or support.

Nowadays, “the Nigerian Dream is to go abroad”

Citizens continue to leave the country in search of greener pastures, believing it is the best solution. We forget that the countries that work today are due to the collective efforts of the citizens and governments.

Before pointing fingers at everyone but ourselves. Let us remember to ask, have we performed our obligations as responsible citizens?

As a good citizen of your country, you ought to be active and responsive, not passive.

What roles do you play to encourage Nation-building?

What roles do you play to make your environment and the people around you are safe?

Do you deliberately litter the environment with fruit peels, or papers, food packages, etc, and then complain about how dirty the state is?

Often, we complain about service providers and their epileptic services, but we continue managing these poor services, rather than lodge official reports or drop complaints at the appropriate authorities.

Do you know that it is your right to demand the best of every service and goods catered to you?

Relegate sentiments and personal relationships to the background when it comes to goods and services provided. If the poor service or goods is coming from family and friends, let them know how you feel about their product with all sincerity; as this will help them improve and promote the nation’s building.

Are you a service provider, how well do you serve your clients? Are your services satisfactory? Do you have functional communication channels where feedback can be dropped or an app where reviews are allowed, monitored and effected?

Do you also consider honest feedback and ensure you improve your services? Or do you continue treating people poorly or selling substandard products to make more profit? If your answer is yes, then you are definitely part of the challenges we face in Nigeria.

You have no right to blame the government while doing the most.

How often do you pay your taxes as a business owner? Do you evade taxes and then blame the government for not providing infrastructural support?

How informed are you about funding and allocation in your state? Do you know your local leaders? From Ward Councillors, L.G.A chairman, State Executives, and National Leaders?

Have you ever checked your state/national budget which is easily accessible on the internet, to know what is supposed to be in place, help track and monitor what is being done and know those accountable at every point?

Social Accountability is people taking charge of their development by being a part of the decision-making process in their communities. You have the right to call the duty bearers and service providers to order and hold them accountable, starting with that chemist in the neighborhood who sells fake drugs, that provision storekeeper who sells expired goods, that driver who has a road-unworthy vehicle, in order to ensure the safety of ourselves, our loved ones and the general public.

Do not think, “Mind your business,” when it comes to societal issues that concern everyone because your action or inaction can make or mar the society.

We can also be accountable by verifying the authenticity of every information before sharing them; abiding by the laws, rules, and regulations guiding the nation; showing up on time to work, appointments, meetings, and avoiding the epidemic African Time.

Let us learn to render the best services; look out for one another to ensure safety; report shady movements to promote security; hold the appropriate voted elected officials accountable.

In keeping our environment clean; taking responsibility for our actions; and celebrating those who are doing well to ensure a sustainable and peaceful society, we will continue to improve.

Remember, it is not enough to just complain, it is even more important to take action and lead the change we want to see because Social Accountability is the heart of sustainable development in any country.

There are a lot of concerned citizens who through advocacy, peaceful protests and other social accountability tools continue to help.

Are you one of them?