DR. NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA BRINGS GOODLUCK JONATHAN ONCE AGAIN TO THE SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Layi Deinde

The strength and virtue of the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s administration, according to some people is premised on the rich pool of human capita at his disposal at the time. To them, outstanding Nigerians got the nod to serve the nation at the time. The international endorsement that many are getting in recent time clearly shows that Nigerians took a wrong decision in 2015 by voting out a government that comprised of the likes of Dr. Akinwinmi Adesina, the former Agriculture minister, who is presently doing Nigeria and Africa great at the African Development Bank, not minding the baseless petty accusations that holds no water leveled against his person.

It remains a known fact , that he has raised the standard of corporate governance at AfDB, the impact of which is felt in the whole of Africa and by extension the world. AfDB Capital base that was $98 Billion in 2015 got shored up to $208 Billion after four years period, which has increased to N260 Billion in May, 2020, leading to his endorsement by the whole African leadership.

Another shining star, Arunma Oteh, former Director General of Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), had remarkable three year tenure with World Bank as Vice President and Treasurer and now took a leap to Oxford University. In the news recently is the backing of the government as the former minister of Finance takes a shot at becoming the Director General of the World Trade Organisation in an election coming up next year.

The resourcefulness of citizens of this country is never in doubt. We are so great. This we effortlessly show to the World. Using a list that includes: Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Prof. Bert Nnaji, Dr. Oby Ezekwezili Prof. Adenike Grange Engr. Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, Miss. Aruma Oteh, Mrs. Mobola Johnson, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, and Mr. Chukwuemeka Chikelu denigrate Buhari’s administration is inappropriate.

Most of the outstanding personalities weren't allowed to operate at their prime in service to the nation, for reasons that GEJ and his team should offer. This, I doubt, had a space in his publication "MY TRANSITION HOURS." There is an opportunity for another book launch, the disappointment of the later might tell considerably on the former. A vital factor in why people gave a vote of no confidence on the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration at the polls in 2015. This is a clear case of a leadership that lacked capacity to maximise the use of QUALITY human resources at her beck and call. Save for few sectors, the good assemblage weren't given the enablement to excel as they are presently doing in different places around the globe.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, not minding her capacity and competence, wasn't allowed to function as the Coordinating Minister of the Economy in the real sense. She never lacked what it takes to serve, but was hampered. We await GEJ to explain why Foreign Reserve was depleted from $40 Billion to $28.5 Billion. In spite of selling crude oil at an average of N100/barrel , Nigeria at some point had to borrow to pay salaries, salaries please read me well, not infrastructure and many other instances of frustration she experienced like the condition given by the National Assembly before the passage of the Budget.

We might have to get an explanation from the previous government on why her predecessor was the one that had to sanction Telecommunication companies over large numbers of unregistered SIMs. Resignation of the seasoned Minister of Power and the backlash of the messy sale or transfer of power assets to investors is still hanging in the air till date. The whole transaction is now a subject of review by the present government, in a bid to make power available to citizens and all residents.

The present government should learn from the previous administration and avoid a repeat of past missteps of sacrificing MERIT on the platform of MEDIOCRITY, in the general interest delivering quality governance to the people. This is noticeable in some sectors, World Institutions are quick to snap the best brains that we don't know how best to utilize. We need to watch this, carefully by not just appointing very competent hands. The atmosphere that will enhance optimal discharge of their duties should be created. The loss of Nigeria, most of the time is the gain of the international community and institutions.

 Layi Deinde writes from Lagos.