“Stop Using My Name to Fight Political Battles” – WTO Chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has issued a strong warning against the misuse of her name in political conflicts. This comes amid allegations that her identity is being leveraged in Nigeria’s political discourse.

The issue arose after a viral Facebook post attributed a statement to Okonjo-Iweala concerning Nigeria’s escalating debt. The post falsely quoted her expressing disbelief over the nation’s debt reaching N24 trillion within two months, even after the removal of fuel subsidies. The fabricated quote implied her efforts to offer advice were ignored by the current administration.

In a clear rebuttal posted on her social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the falsity of these statements. “THIS IS IMPORTANT,” she wrote, addressing the public. “There are people in Nigeria trying to use my name and image on social media to fight battles on different sides of the political divide, putting words in my mouth that I never said.”

She continued, “I want to alert everyone that the message below is FAKE. This is a stern warning to all those trying to misuse my name for their political ends that I will continue to rebut any attempts to use my name and image falsely!”

Okonjo-Iweala, a former Nigerian Minister of Finance, is renowned for her integrity and dedication to public service. Her firm stance against the politicization of her identity underscores her commitment to maintaining transparency and truth in her professional engagements.