Just In : Former Buhari Minister Gets Fresh Appointment In World Bank
Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, the former Minister of Finance, has accepted a position as an Alternate Executive Director at the World Bank.
Barring any hiccups, she will return to the bank’s headquarters in Washington on July 10.
However, there appears to be pushback from some stakeholders who claim that the former minister did not follow due process.
An online publication today quoted Washington sources as saying that Mrs. Ahmed circumvented appointment procedures by nominating herself.
The World Bank had requested the nominations of three economists for an AED position several months before the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, according to the report, but the minister kept the letter to herself.
It was also claimed that the minister did not obtain the approval of President Buhari or the new President, Sen. Bola Tinubu, for her self-nomination.
However, a senior federal government source familiar with the World Bank system told Vanguard that Mrs. Ahmed made no mistakes in her appointment.
According to the source, “It’s impossible (for her to nominate herself). And she didn’t. She was validly nominated by the Ministry (of Finance) and President Buhari approved her nomination before he left.
“This type of nomination is routine as a former DG Budget was nominated at the twilight of the Jonathan administration and nobody made any noise about it. It’s truly unfair.
“The former DG Budget was nominated as Executive Director, African Development Bank.”
The source explained that the AED position is usually occupied by former Ministers of Finance (Governors of World Bank) or Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Ministries of Finance (Alternative Governor of World Bank).
He said, “Also, please note that the ED from South Africa was a former South African Minister. The position is meant for either former Minister of Finance ( Governor World Bank) or Permanent Secretary Finance( Alternate Governor World Bank) ,i.e. those familiar with the development policy issues and transfer of real resources to developing countries.
“And those who understand World Bank Executive Board issues and have helped in shaping World Bank decision making from the viewpoint of Authorities/member countries in recent times.
“It’s not a position for theoretical Economists who have not had any dealings with the Ministry of Finance in Sovereign member countries.”
Mrs. Ahmed is expected to work under Ayanda Dlondlo, a former South African Minister who is the Executive Director.
