"I Will Call World Leaders To Support You On WTO Job" - Buhari Assures Okonjo-Iweala

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Muhammadu Buhari

Former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has received the support and assurance of President Muhammadu Buhari after he disclosed he will make sure she secures the World Trade Organisation, WTO DG job.

The President made this statement on Monday when Okonjo-Iweala paid him a visit at the presidential villa.

Recall that Okonjo Iweala and Yoo Myung-hee, the South Korean minister of trade, are the two final candidates for the top position at the WTO.

Whoever emerges between the duo will become the first female WTO DG since the organisation was set up 25 years ago.

According to Buhari, Okonjo-Iweala is deserving of the job because of her profile and diligence in serving the country and the world.

“I assure you that we will do all that we can to ensure that you emerge as the Director-General of WTO, not only because you are a Nigerian, but because you are a hardworking Nigerian. You deserve this,’’ Buhari said.

The president assured her that he would make some phone calls and send letters to some world leaders for more support.

“I did the same for Dr Akinwunmi Adesina for President of the African Development Bank. Both of you served the country under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). You are both highly qualified,” he said.

“We will continue to support you. I will immediately make those calls.”

Commenting on the president’s support, Okonjo-Iweala said she is proud to be a Nigerian.

She also appreciated Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders for their endorsement.