Okonjo-Iweala And Her Critics

Of all the ministers appointed by President  Goodluck Jonathan  into his cabinet recently, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala catches my  fancy most.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala was former Minister of Finance under  former President   Olusegun Obasanjo and was later moved to the Foreign Affairs Ministry. She, however, resigned her appointment  in controversial  circumstances and  returned to the World Bank where she was before her appointment.

The fact that she accepts to serve the nation for the second time is commendable, especially  in the face of the  prevalent vices in the country. Vices like corruption, kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, assassination etc are enough to scare away a woman of her status. Her decision  to serve under this situation is, indeed, an act of patriotism.

Okonjo-Iweala had every reason to reject President Jonathan’s  invitation to serve. Beside  the ills listed above, Nigeria  is a country that has little regards for excellence. This explains why mediocrities dominate our socio-political landscape.

Unfortunately, there are Nigerians who think a woman of Okonjo-Iweala’s  status, who left her high position as the Managing Director of the World Bank to serve  her country should not have been considered for appointment. Her critics are unhappy that  she was brought from the diaspora, and  that she resigned her first appointment. These  reasons  are  ostensible. They further describe her capability to transform the economy of the country as a bogus claim.

The truth is that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is feared  by some rogue politicians  whose  business in power is to loot Nigeria  dry. The Minister is dreaded by these politicians because of her integrity and uprightness. Many governors and council chairmen are afraid because she publishes their monthly allocations for  all Nigerians to see. Legislators  and contractors are alarmed  because it won’t  be business  as usual. Her publication of monthly allocations, as far as I am concerned, is to ensure transparency and discourage corruption.

I disagree  with those who say Okonjo-Iweala’s importance is over-rated. The antecedent of this woman is well known. She was instrumental  to the debt forgiveness Nigeria got during the Obasanjo’s regime. Through her assistance, the country’s  30 billion dollar debt was reduced to 12 billion dollars.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s qualities were equally acknowledged by the World Bank President, Robert Zoeuick who described her  exploits  at the institution as “Steuar”. He said her desire to serve Nigeria is a “truly big loss for the  World Bank but a major gain for Nigeria as it  works to craft its economic way forward”.

Okonjo-Iweala’s efforts to assist developing countries particularly in Africa are widely recognised. That is why her wealth of experience is expected to be of benefit  to Nigeria. She  acknowledged this fact when she appeared before the Senate for screening. She told the legislators that she was returning to promote Nigerians’ welfare  and create jobs.

Not  only did the Finance  Minister make those promises to Nigerians, she also told the lawmakers that Nigeria was spending beyond her means.

From the foregoing, it is  clear that she will introduce measures to facilitate fiscal controls, reduce wasteful expenditure, promote infrastructural development and generally enhance Nigeria’s economy.

There is no doubt, therefore, that it is only corrupt Nigerians who will find fault  with these well-intentioned declarations of the minister.

Fortunately for us, Okonjo-Iweala returned  to Nigeria  when the country’s  external reserve has nose-dived drastically and in want of redemption. So, rather than engaging in unnecessary and arm-chair criticisms,  it will be productive if we  all share and support Okonjo Iweala’s vision to make Nigeria a better  place to live.

With the majority supports she enjoys from Nigerians, all Okonjo-Iweala requires is to be focused and bring her wealth of experience to bear on the  lofty goals she has set for herself.

Arnold Alalibo