Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala doesn’t stand a chance of being The World Bank’s President, at least for now. This is because nominating process for the position closed on Thursday without her name on the list.
According to a statement released on the World Bank’s official website, the Board of Directors announced that the period for the submission of nominees ended Thursday, March 14th.
One person nominated
Only one nominee was received throughout the nominating period. And he is a US national named David Malpass.
Mr Malpass will be considered for the position, the statement said.
“The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today confirmed that, as announced on January 10, the period for submitting nominations for the position of the next President of the World Bank closed on Thursday, March 14 at 9:00am ET. The Board received one nomination…”
About the Nominee
David Malpass is a US citizen who currently works as an Under Secretary for International Affairs, at the US Department of the Treasury.
Trump chose a loyalist for the job – Last month, Mr Malpass was nominated by the US President, Donald Trump, who had long clamoured for the position to be occupied by an American.
Note that Mr Malpass had long been a staunch critic of the international development bank.
He is expected to get the job. However, he will first go through the interview process.
“In accordance with the procedures previously announced, the executive directors will conduct a formal interview of the candidate in Washington D.C. during the coming days.
“The executive directors expect to conclude the Presidential selection process before the Spring Meetings of 2019.”
Jim’s Unexpected resignation
The position of President was left vacant early January after the former President, Jim Kim, abruptly resigned three years ahead of schedule. Mr Kim had been appointed out of three available nominations – Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Colombian Jose Antonio Ocampo.
Okonjo-Iweala: Ready to run, but not nominated
During an interview with CNN business reporter, Richard Quest at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Okonjo-Iweala said she’s available if nominated for the position. She, however, said only the right condition will determine her interest.
Okonjo-Iweala made her intention known while addressing reports that she’s interested in the position. She was a front runner in the race against a United States’ nominee, Jim Kim. That prompted many to believe Okonjo-Iweala will be considered.
With the abrupt resignation of Jim Kim, it was believed that a Nigerian might just for the first time lead the World Bank; thanks to her popularity in the international financial institution.
“I know that, because I contested the last time in 2012, and many people were asking that question. it is a shareholder’s decision and they have to decide how they want it. someone has to nominate. If the right person were to nominate, and if the circumstances are right and people feel I can do the job, yes!”
The World Bank has never been headed by a Nigerian in the entirety of its 73-year history.
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