Nigeria’s former minister of finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has responded to the United States opposition to her candidacy for the World Trade Organisation’s top job.
Okonjo-Iweala, who is Nigeria’s candidate for the WTO top job, was named the most preferred candidate on Wednesday.
However, the US opposed her candidature.
However, in a tweet on Thursday, Okonjo-Iweala said she was keeping the positivity going despite the hiccups.
She said she was happy for the success and the continued progress of her bid to become the WTO director-general.
She tweeted, “Happy for the success & continued progress of our @wto DG bid.
“Very humbled to be declared the candidate with the largest, broadest support among members & most likely to attract consensus.
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“We move on to the next step on Nov 9, despite hiccups. We’re keeping the positivity going!”
Meanwhile, the ministry of foreign affairs says it will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure that Okonjo-Iweala emerges director-general of the WTO.
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A statement signed by Ferdinand Nwonye, spokesman for the ministry of foreign affairs, on Thursday, said Nigeria will continue to consult with stakeholders ahead of the WTO’s November 9 general council meeting.
The statement reads: “The ministry of foreign affairs wishes to inform that the third and final round of the selection process of the director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO) was concluded On Tuesday, 27th October, 2020 and the result was formally announced on Wednesday, 28th October, 2020.
“The candidate from Nigeria, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has secured the support of majority of the member countries but is yet to be declared and returned the winner.
“This is because apart from winning the election, all 164 member states of WIO were expected to adopt the winner by consensus; in accordance with the rule of procedure of the WTO.
“It is important to highlight that Dr Okonjo-lweala has secured cross-regional backing with only the United States opposing the consensus.
“Nigeria will continue to engage relevant stakeholders to ensure that the lofty aspiration of her candidate to lead the World Trade Organisation is realised.”
Happy for the success & continued progress of our @wto DG bid. Very humbled to be declared the candidate with the largest, broadest support among members & most likely to attract consensus. We move on to the next step on Nov 9, despite hiccups. We're keeping the positivity going!
— Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (@NOIweala) October 29, 2020
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