WTO Job: Okonjo-Iweala Appreciates Buhari, US Govt, Nigerians For Support
With the coast now clear for her to become the first ever female Director General of World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has expressed her gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari, the United States government and Nigerians for their unwavering support
Shortly after the US-backed her bid to lead the WTO on Friday evening, the former Nigerian Finance Minister also congratulated South Korea’s Yoo Myung-hee who earlier withdrew from the race, saying she fought a good fight.
In a message on her Twitter handle, Dr Okonjo Iweala said on Friday night; “Grateful for the expression of support from the US today for DG @WTO. Congratulations to Madam Yoo of Republic of Korea for a hard fought campaign.
According to her; “Thank You President Muhammadu Buhari and all Nigerians for your unflinching support. Thank you friends. Love to my family. Glory to God.”
Earlier on Friday evening, the Agence France Presse (AFP) reported that President Joe Biden’s administration had offered its strong support to Okonjo-Iweala to lead the WTO.
The move marks another sharp split with former president Donald Trump who paralyzed the organization and opposed the former Nigerian finance minister who was backed by many other countries.
The office of the US Trade Representative in a statement cited her “wealth of knowledge in economics and international diplomacy” and said she had “proven experience managing a large international organization.”
“Dr Okonjo-Iweala brings a wealth of knowledge in economics and international diplomacy. She is widely respected for her effective leadership and has proven experience managing a large international organization with a diverse membership,” the statement said.
