The ambition of the former minister of finance and economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to become the director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO) got a boost on Monday, October 12, as the President Muhammadu Buhari, assured her that he would do all within his power to ensure that she gets the position.
According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President made the promise while receiving Okonjo-Iweala at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
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The statement was titled “We’ll push, push until you win, President Buhari assures Okonjo-Iweala.”
The former minister and South Korea’s Yoo Myung-Hee are the two remaining candidates contesting for the top position of the multilateral institution.
Buhari told the former minister that she deserves more support to get the top 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,” the President said.
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He was also said to have assured Okonjo-Iweala that he would make more 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. You are both highly qualified. We will continue to support you. I will immediately make those calls,” the President said.
Speaking after the meeting with the president, Okonjo-Iweala, thanked Buhari and his ministers, particularly the ministers of foreign affairs, industry, trade and investment for supporting her staunchly.
