BUHARI SUPPORT AKINWUNMI ADESINA RE-ELECTION AS AFDB PRESIDENT AND NOMINATES NGOZI OKONJO-EWEALA AS DG OF WTO

President Buhari’s support for the reelection of Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina as AfDB President and the nomination of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as DG of WTO are two global events aimed at reasserting the influence of Nigeria on the world stage. There’s no question about the competence, capacity, pedigree & performance of these two global Nigerian icons. Buhari made these nominations without pandering to his usual inclinations of tribe & religion. He simply went for merit & performance. That’s the sure path to greatness!
But, international & global influence can only take route with domestic credibility. Many of Buhari’s appointments at the domestic level have fallen short on competence, performance & merit, hence, they lack credibility. Take for instance, the Minister of Finance, Budget & National Planning. Many financial & economic experts are of the view that she is not a ”round peg in a round hole”. There are several other Nigerians that are better experienced, more capable, & with better pedigree to discharge the huge & dire responsibilities of that portfolio. Prof. Chukwuma Soludo is one!
In a world economy ravaged by a global COVID-19 pandemic, nations would naturally seek ways to safeguard their own economies as a top priority before thinking of helping others. So the quest for most competent hands to steer the economy in the right director becomes germane. Nigeria’s economy is currently battling several headwinds viz; declining revenue, rising debt, falling exchange rate, rising inflation, increasing unemployment, falling external reserves, etc. Recession is lurking by the corner!. A critical requirement in the midst of these ”economic crises” is CONFIDENCE in the managers of the economy. This is seriously lacking in the present team. The fiscal measures required to head off these ”pandemics” are less important as the ”trust & confidence” associated with the managers. President Buhari withdrew the nomination of Ambassador Frederick Agah (serving Deputy DG at WTO) because Madam Okonjo-Iweala is a better candidate given her world-acclaimed pedigree. Soludo is a towering global icon also with unparalleled competence in monetary management at the domestic scene. His achievenent with Banking ”Consolidation” in 2005 asGovetnor of CBN remains a global phenomenon. When I saw GT Bank at Heathrow Airport, London recently, I remembered Soludo!Bringing him on board to superintend Ministry of Finance will no doubt, bring out a rebuilding of confidence in the Nigerian economy, a critical post-COVID-19 pandemic necessity.
Let’s always put our best foot forward!
Hon. Cally Odoemenam