“It’s not even been a year, and you want to leave already?” – A quick letter to Aunty Ngozi


Aunty Ngozi, for the good of Africans and black people world over (and those that really care about us), you must not take up that position, even if you are found to be the most qualified for it

Dear Aunty Ngozi,

Good afternoon. Hope everyone is well at home. How is the weather and NEPA? Unfortunately, I am not of the multitude suit-wearing protégées from your time in World Bank (WB). I am just a fellow younger African, hence the calling you Aunty; I hope you do not mind. I have been hearing much regarding your nomination by the African ttiumverate(Angola/Nigeria/South Africa) for the World Bank Presidency about to be vacated by “whatshisname”. Congratulations are in order as your nomination of itself has broken down walls, and we will take our compliments where we can.

First, a woman is being nominated as top “man” for an institution where women are still regarded as a quota to be met; and an African one at that. Lest we forget, you were able to convince the Afro-triad (Angola/Nigeria/South Africa) to all back your nomination, which is a miracle. As I said, your nomination has paved the way for more Africans to be nominated for high-level positions in these. Unfortunately, that is where my congratulations have to end. Aunty Ngozi, for the good of Africans and black people world over (and those that really care about us), you must not take up that position, even if you are found to be the most qualified for it.

Contrary to how this might come across, I am actually one of your greatest supporters. It is because of the “care” I have for you that I will tell you some hard truths, unlike all the sycophants around you just waiting to be able to join your front office. Being that we are both Ivy league educated, let us do it the Ivy league way. I will lay out three simple points, to support my plea with you to stop your quest for the WB presidency.

1. Prior to becoming the Grand Economic Overseer of Nigeria, you held previous positions in the WB as Managing Director and Vice President of the institution. In those positions, can you state any concrete sustainable solutions to Africa’s deep problems that you initiated or oversaw that are still in existence and actually making a macro-difference on the continent today? We both know the WB is not the institution that will resolve anything on our continent. So unless, you are attempting to go there to care for the Eastern Europeans and Asian countries, one sees no reason for your prompt exit from Nigeria. As former WB president Paul Wolfowitz showed us already, the WB presidency is actually not that productive nor powerful; and is just a cheerleader for the institution. I am not sure a cheerleader is what Africa needs right now. We still have not made it to the playoffs, why waste energy and resources on cheerleading?

2. Nigeria (ergo Africa) needs you. We admit it and are begging you to stay and do good work for us. Before you came as Financial Overseer, you made all sorts of demands and Baba Jeje (GEJ) gave in to have you back. It has not even been a year and you want to leave already? Haba mana, aunty, which one u dey? Your history of coming like the messiah and then running off when it is easy for you does not bode well at all. Please think about the example that you are setting for your thousands of per-diem protégées who are learning and doing the same thing to our continent. During your first stint, you did such a fine job that Nigeria no longer owed external debts (robbing talkatives of palm-wine gist), the FG’s accounts became saner and more transparent, and “due-process” became a meaningful word in the ministries. But as soon as you left, most of these were turned upside down. Now, you are back for your second stint and all Nigeria has gained so far was your ill-fated scheme, along with Mallam “I want to be Emir” Sanusi, to rob the poor of fuel to cook. It is okay, the country forgives you as it did the first time you were finance minister. I know you have plans and ideas to turn the country around. Biko, stay and implement them. As further proof of your need to stay, I heard the Nigerian House of Representatives have supported your candidacy. Apparently they would appreciate it if you left last week. You and I know that support from that witless and corrupt bunch is a sign that one is definitely taking the wrong step. In addition, if you perform as brilliantly as I expect, I will personally start your Presidency campaign come 2014; Sango be my witness.

3. Last but not least, Obama. Aunty mi, in case you did not know, there is a US election this year. Hence the reason Barack has been forcing foreign dignitaries to go watch basketball in backwaters like Ohio and Florida. Not to belittle your aspirations, but Barack Obama winning this re-election means more to Africa, Black people and the World more than your becoming World Bank President will ever mean or do for us. Your becoming WB president could put a wrench in Obama’s plan. Should you beat Dr. Kim to the presidency of the WB, Professor Obama will look weak and the Republicans will make mincemeat of him. Please Aunty, even if all my previous pleas have meant nothing to you and you still want the Presidency of the WB by force, can you not wait until after the US elections?

As I promised, I will only make three points, I will stop here and implore on your sensibilities to forsake this self-centred gambit. I hope you will continue to serve Nigeria and Africa with as true a heart as you’ve always claimed.

Warmly yours,

‘kola

About the author

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‘kola Afolayan is a freelance design, ideas and innovation “barnist” with previous extensive international development, policy and legal experiences in Africa and the Balkans.

 

 

 

 

Comments (7)

  1. So,Mr. Kola Afolayan, with your "previous extensive international development, policy and legal experiences…" you believe that Obama winning a 2nd term is more beneficial to Africans than Iweala winning the world bank presidency?Since you queried the impact of Iweala's previous roles at the World Bank on the lives of Africans,may I also ask you that how has Obama's first term as US President has impacted your personal life or that of 150 million Nigerians. Apart from sharing the same skin colour with you,what significant value has the Obama Presidency adde to you? It is only in this country that we fail to celebrate our own. You'll rather deify an Obama who has his own immense domestic challenges than appreciate one of your own.So,u've suddenly realised Nigeria needs Iweala badly?I thought your fellow critics have said she's added no value to the country,hence she can leave. I really wonder what exactly you guys want.

  2. This is so hilarious… I hope aunty reads this and have a second thought about being the WB president.Nice Article

  3. Mdm Kosoko, any and every leader should be ready to be criticized and ridiculed for his/her policies … hence the need to think out policies before rolling them out … are you asking she should be given special treatment because she is special?

    democracy make dem crazy …

  4. If Nigerians want NOI to stay, then they should support her policies and stop abusing her at every slightest opportunity. Nigerians need to appreciate their talents more than we presently do. If we had all given her more support than criticisms probably, she won't consider going back. Her victory at the World Bank will however obviously address the effects of the Washington Consensus on LDCs to which Nigeria belong especially in trade and investments and the "dependent development" models in LDCs but Nigeria will be losing another opportunity towards real development with her second exit.

  5. Wow terrific piece I must confess Kola.but seriously is she ripe enough?aunty ngo that prepared a scam 2012 budget ña I don't thik so.on the other hand I think d BRICS has endorsed her and they will want 2 flex their muscles.

  6. Great piece and style! I agree with you my broda, the reasons you state are very true, but alas, Aunty Ngozi has been bitten with the rush to see this thru and I daresay she may begin to believe all she is told and miss out on some of the issues you highlight. Still, great to have someone tell it like it is

  7. lolz hilarious! Hope aunty ngo sees this at least the part 3. thanks kola.

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