By Danlami Nmodu
Those conversant with the dynamics of international politics know that it may take some extra- ordinary effort for Dr Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala,Nigeria’s finance minister to defeat Jim Yong Kim and emerge President of the World Bank.Going by the established traditions, once the US president endorses a candidate, such a person is effectively considered as the next President.
But Okonjo- Iweala is not just an ordinary candidate.She is equally not merely a Nigerian dreamer.She is largely carrying the African hope as well as the aspirations of other third world countries and even global institutions that seek the triumph of merit over superpower overlordship.
In the unlikely event that Okonjo- Iweala wins, it will indeed be victory well deserved.President Barack Obama who has re-election battle ahead will pull all the stops to ensure his candidate ‘wins’.But even if the ‘old tradition’ ensures she loses the race, Okonjo- Iweala is already a global star and in way, a winner of inestimable value still. Here is why:
For the first time in history, a woman has been deemed eminently qualified to take the position.Interestingly, the issue is not essentially about affirmative action, but all arguments have pointed in the direction of her meritorious qualities.
Furthermore ,she has also set off a process that will ultimately result in change in the way aspiration to the headship of Word Bank will be handled in future.
Back home in Nigeria, Okonjo Iweala will certainly be a factor in future leadership of Nigeria.No one can ignore her impressive profile henceforth.
What else does it take to be a winner?