Mixed reactions over Geingob’s lifetime achievement award

President Hage Geingob’s lifetime achievement award from the African Energy Chamber (AEC) has ignited mixed reactions, stemming from the questionable background of AEC executive chairman NJ Ayuk.

Ayuk’s past as a convicted fraudster in the United States has left some demanding ethical scrutiny and others commending the recognition of Namibia’s energy achievements.

In 2007, Ayuk was convicted of fraud for impersonating a United States (US) congressman he worked for at the time. Ayuk has vehemently denied the existence of such a conviction, but court documents seen by The Namibian suggest otherwise.

Ayuk’s controversial past has created a stir, with critics saying Geingob’s acceptance of the award does not bode well for his reputation and could expose the country’s emerging oil sector to potential corruption.

Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) executive director Graham Hopwood said as a country, Namibia should act on principle and do everything to keep corrupt influences away from its emerging oil industry.

“It would seem obvious that we shouldn’t be accepting awards or taking legal advice from people with fraud convictions,” Hopwood said.

Political commentator Ndumba Kamwanyah previously warned that Geingob should practise caution when offered accolades from institutions run by individuals with controversial pasts.

“Anyone who is credible, authentic and is fighting corruption, would be careful not to be associated with any criminally tainted system.”

Kamwanyah said it is premature to grant Geingob the specific award, as the success of both Namibia’s emerging green hydrogen and oil and gas industries is yet to be seen.

“Let’s wait for the outcome to determine who deserves the award,” he said.

Meanwhile, Economic Association of Namibia chairperson Jason Kasuto said the award is well-deserved for Namibia because the country has over the past 10 years made significant strides in the energy sector, specifically both renewable and fossil-based energy sources.

He said it is evident that globally the spotlight is on Namibia – with significant foreign direct investment interest in its energy sectors.

“Therefore, the award is a well deserved commendation to the collective efforts of the government and the Namibian people (public and private sectors) under the leadership of the president. My view is that the award should not be personalised, but be taken as a commendation to Namibia,” Kasuto said.

According to the AEC, under Geingob’s leadership, Namibia has garnered a reputation for good governance, contributing to sustained investments and explorations following discoveries in 2022.

“President Geingob has been instrumental in shaping Namibia’s regulatory environment in a way that has made it highly attractive for foreign players. As a result, the country witnessed five major discoveries in two years while a series of projects have kicked off across the green hydrogen, mining and infrastructure sectors,” the AEC said.

The organisation lauded Geingob for having kick-started several green hydrogen pilot projects.

Geingob also delivered a keynote address during the African Energy Week conference on Tuesday.

Geingob received his award alongside Senegalese president Macky Sall, whose country is set to produce its first oil and gas from the Sangomar and Greater Tortue Ahmeyim fields next year.