Jonathan seeks World Bank Board's support for Okonjo-Iweala.

President Goodluck Jonathan Monday issued a strong statement in support of Africa’s  World Bank pick, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy.

Jonathan asked the board of the Bank in a press statement to consider the candidacy of the Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the position of President of the bank based on Merit.

He said that since the World Bank is strategically position to “play an important role in partnering with Developing countries to promote growth, tackle poverty and uplift living standards,” the leadership of the institution “matters greatly and must be chosen with utmost care.”

The President asked the board to ensure that the process of choosing the President of the World Bank follows an open, transparent and merit based elections which “has been promised by the G-20 Countries as well as the World Bank’s Development Committee.”

He said he believes that the knowledge, experience and expertise of the former Vice President of the World Bank and the present Finance Minister will be beneficial “both to the World Bank and to its principal stakeholders.”

“She has first-hand experience of managing complex financial and economic development issues at national and international levels, deploying her skills with demonstrated passion, commitment and professionalism,” he said.

“She has also shown a high degree of innovation and drive, while exhibiting a strong ability to integrate and manage interwoven problems of development in infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, and other sectors in her expanded role as Coordinating Minister for the Economy.”

Mr Jonathan also thanked countries and institutions that have endorsed Mrs Okonjo-Iweala for the World Bank top job.

“I am particularly appreciative of the strong endorsement and proactive backing for her candidature as Africa’s nominee for this very important position by fellow Heads of State across the continent, the African Union Commission, ECOWAS and African Ministers of Finance, Economy and Planning,” he said

“It is noteworthy that other developing countries, prominent individuals and organizations across the globe, including development experts, national and international media, Think Tanks, and Civil Society groups, have been very supportive of her nomination.

“I also acknowledge the positive role played by Nigeria’s legislature, and other prominent groups, including members of Nigeria’s vibrant media, in lending strong support to her candidature. These have given Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s campaign a tremendous momentum, which we welcome.”

The World Bank board is set to make its decision on April 16.

Below is the President’s statement

I am very pleased to note the staunch support and universal acclaim elicited by the nomination of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, as a candidate for the post of World Bank President.

I am particularly appreciative of the strong endorsement and proactive backing for her candidature as Africa’s nominee for this very important position by fellow Heads of State across the continent, the African Union Commission, ECOWAS and African Ministers of Finance, Economy and Planning.

It is noteworthy that other developing countries, prominent individuals and organizations across the globe, including development experts, national and international media, Think Tanks, and Civil Society groups, have been very supportive of her nomination.

I also acknowledge the positive role played by Nigeria’s legislature, and other prominent groups, including members of Nigeria’s vibrant media, in lending strong support to her candidature.  These have given Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s campaign a tremendous momentum, which we welcome.

As a preeminent development institution, the World Bank is well-positioned to play an important role in partnering with Developing countries to promote growth, tackle poverty and uplift living standards.

Accordingly, the leadership of the institution matters greatly and must be chosen with utmost care.

It matters even more in a complex, increasingly inter-connected global environment characterized by volatility and uncertainty.

It is for this reason that there is a resounding call to ensure an open, transparent and merit-based process in the election of the  World Bank President, which our country aligns with, and which has been promised by the G-20 Countries as well as the World Bank’s Development Committee.

We firmly believe that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s knowledge and expertise, as well as the depth and breadth of her experience make her the best candidate to lead the World Bank. She has first-hand experience of managing complex financial and economic development issues at national and international levels, deploying her skills with demonstrated passion, commitment and professionalism.

She has also shown a high degree of innovation and drive, while exhibiting a strong ability to integrate and manage interwoven problems of development in infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, and other sectors in her expanded role as Coordinating Minister for the Economy.

I am firmly convinced that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership will be beneficial, both to the World Bank and to its principal stakeholders.

I also believe that it would be immensely beneficial to Africa and the developing world at large.  Nigeria urges that her candidacy receives fair consideration in an open, transparent and merit-based process, which should be embraced by all stakeholders.