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Awaiting A Miracle …The Fairy Dream of a New World
Anytime today or late Wednesday, the world shall behold or reject a new President of the World Bank by name Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala or Prof Yong Kim. The former is Nigeria’s Finance Minister and coordinating minister of the economy while the latter is a renowned health expert and nominee of the United States of America (USA)
Considering the measure of passion injected into the lobby for the position, especially among the emerging economies, it would be a major disappointment should the vote by the bank’s board go the way of Yong Kim, a Korean-American, whose credentials on development economy, finance and banking are weightless against what Nigeria’s Okonjo-Iweala parades.
By Friday, the race had become one between just two, on account of the withdrawal of the Brazilian nominee, Dr Jose Antonio Ocampo, over lack of support from his home country, Colombia, which seems more interested in the presidency of the International Labour Organization (ILO), than the World Bank.
However, before throwing-in the towel, Ocampo rallied support for the virtues of merit, integrity, fairness, leadership and indeed competence which he said characterized the candidacy of Nigeria’s Finance Minister, and indeed, expectation of the emerging economies of the world.
A Director of Economic and Political Development at the Columbia University in New York, Ocampo had expressed doubts over the neutrality of the selection process, and expressed fears over its eventual outcome. “We did not believe the selection process had been conducted in a fully open, transparent and merit-based fashion, but it had established a strong precedent”.
On this column, April 2, 2012, titled World Bank Presidency: The Odds Against Okonjo-Iweala, My Agony had raised the alarm that International politics, America’s greed and indeed precedent, rather than merit, competence, integrity and indeed leadership will determine the choice of a world Bank President.
Our view: “If the choice of President of the World Bank were to be based purely on the integrity, experience, expertise, merit and popularity of contending players, without an iota of doubt, Nigeria’s coordinating minister of the economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala should succeed Mr. Robert Zoellick whose tenure expires June, 2012. But the world today is used to doing without the best and there are yet no positive signs that the choice of a world bank President will be any different”.
In fulfillment of this view and in spite of the impressive credentials of Okonjo-Iweala, the massive support her candidacy enjoys among the emerging economies and indeed the withdrawal of one of the contestants, Ocampo in support of Nigeria’s Finance Minister, it thus, appears that the choice of Yong Kim has been pre-determined.
For instance, while, all African directors of the bank voiced support for Okonjo-Iweala during last Friday’s straw polling, the US, Canada, Japan and all European Union countries were seen to be backing the American nominee against popular expectations that the selection process will be open and transparent and the outcome of the interviews be made public.
The last straw that broke the Camel’s back and which now leaves Nigeria’s hope for a World Bank Presidency hinging only on a miracle, came with the defection of Russia from Okonjo-Iweala’s support base. With Russia going the way of the US, the gains derivable from the exit of Ocampo appear minimal.
In fact, as it stands, the battle is now drawn between support for the US, Europe and Russia as against Africa and a divided group of emerging economies like China, Brazil, which nominated Ocampo in the first instance and indeed India.
This scenario is predictable, even understandable, for the same reasons this column advanced on April 2nd, this year, as earlier predicted.
“When on April 20, 2012, the 187-member nations’ board will sit to determine, by consensus, a choice for president of the world Bank, more than the amiable credentials of the Nigerian candidate and the two others will be in consideration”.(My Agony)
Strangely, the vote needs not wait till then as there are indications that the choice could have been made already and merely waiting to be made public either today or as the New York Times has speculated as early as Wednesday. This means the US is close to a consensus if not so, already.
It was for fear of this in the first instance, that My Agony predicted; “the biggest hurdle shall be the seeming oath taken by Europe and the United States since the inception of the bank after World War II,… That understanding allows Europe headship of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) while, the US has kept the World Bank ever since”.
Worse still, US Secretary of Treasury, Tim Geither virtually fore-closed likelihood of his country bending to global pressure needed to give Okonjo-Iweala a go at the World Bank Presidency, when, he was quoted as saying, a fortnight ago, “the US has no problem with either Okonjo-Iweala or Ocampo, but should the presidency of the World Bank be allowed to go to a non-American, it will be difficult to get the US congress to pay US commitments to the bank.” And the US is the major shareholder of the World Bank upon which the survival of the bank and its development projects depend.
Bottomline: It would be absurd, even unthinkable for emerging economies to depend on funds from the World Bank for their development and at the same time, insist on managing such funds. At normal times, this is a possibility but not in an election year, when, the Republican fray is still fishing for more reasons bordering on outsourcing of American honour, to slam US President Barack Obama.
As it is today, the failure of the US nominee, Yong Kim has been made to appear to be failure of not just President Obama or his Democratic Party but indeed the United States of America. This is the blackmail instrument which will render difficult any attempt to do right, from global perspectives and commit political suicide before American voters.
More importantly, “if the bank’s succession history since 1944 is anything to go by, then it will require more than a miracle for the US to bend or for Europe to betray its major ally in the US, for, wait developing nations.” This, as we canvassed earlier, “is most unlikely, given the imperatives.
This column then suggested:
‘The only solution, methinks, is to shift the conversation to the US political scene and make it an issue, at least to feel the pulse of American voters, whether Republicans or Democrats. Now, all that is late.
However, no matter how unpleasant, the eventual outcome might be come Wednesday, or even later today, Nigeria’s Okonjo-Iweala is both a winner and history maker if for nothing else, for going this far in pricking global conscience in pursuit of merit and against the double standards of world powers not doing what they often preach.
Happily, Okonjo-Iweala alluded to that while thanking Ocampo for his support when she said, “I am proud that Dr Ocampo and I have helped make history by changing the way that World Bank Presidential elections are contested”. Unfortunately, that was in hope that the board would vote, in a transparent manner, the right choice on April 20, this year, not knowing that a decision might have been reached and merely awaiting official announcement today or Wednesday.
My Agony is that the scenario now leaves Okonjo-Iweala with only a tiny hope of a miracle. A miracle which will see the US and her powerful European allies and even Russia, make U-turn to support one from the emerging economies like Africa’s lone candidate. This, no matter Okonjo-Iweala’s amazing credentials, seems unlikely, today.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
Okonjo-Iweala
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DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.
