WTO: Nigerians lambast US for opposing Okonjo-Iweala as consensus candidate

Nigerians have taken to the social media to blast the President Donald Trump administration for opposing Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the consensus candidate for the post of director-general of the World Trade Organisation.

Many Nigerians had expressed delight when key WTO ambassadors led by New Zealand’s Ambassador David Walker proposed Okonjo-Iweala as the best candidate for the job.

However, while most of the 164 member states that comprise the WTO supported the former Nigerian finance minister to take up the role, the US delegation opposed the move, saying it supported South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee instead.

Reacting, some Nigerians likened the US opposition to that encountered by African Development Bank chief, Akinwumi Adesina, who also faced intense hostility from Washington before his re-election.

The breakthrough of Adesina, has, however, been a source of hope for many who want the former World Bank director to become the first African and first female director-general in the 25-year-old history of the global trade organisation.

Popular journalist, Dele Momodu, said on a TV programme this morning, “It is very unfortunate. I don’t know why the US is always opposing Nigeria’s candidates, but I believe the other countries will stand up against the bullying of America.

“Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is one of the brightest, not only on the continent but in the world. I look forward to congratulating her as soon as possible.”

@jeolaolarewaju also tweeted, “Even with America’s misconceived approach, she has the upper hand because she has shattered a couple of ceilings.”

@Dbest101 wrote, “If God be for you @NOIweala, no man, not even @realDonaldTrump, can be against you.”
Noblemighty Njoku commented on Facebook, “Trump’s racism can’t be hidden nor his pure hatred for Africans.”
Akin Akinsehinwa stated, “The US should just let Nigeria be. The US made frantic efforts to block the re-election of Dr Akinwumi Adeshina but God put it to shame. The same God is still on His throne. So the US should expect another round of disgrace.”

Hephzibah Suobo wrote, “Is the WTO a property of one country or all its members? She already had the majority of the votes out of 164 states. She can’t be stopped.”

The troika has concluded the third round of consultations and its decision marks an important step paving the way for Okonjo-Iweala to become both the first woman and the first African to head the organisation.
But the WTO’s 164 member states still need to determine whether they will support her before their next General Council meeting on November 9.