World Trade Organization Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has publicly disowned a viral social media post that falsely claimed she criticized President Bola Tinubu regarding Nigeria's security challenges. The respected economist and former finance minister took to her verified X account to denounce the fabricated statement, calling it completely false and misleading.
False Statement Circulates on Social Media
Okonjo-Iweala revealed she became aware of the fake post after it gained significant traction across multiple online platforms. In her statement, she expressed frustration that her name was being used to spread political misinformation, describing it as part of a deliberate attempt to misrepresent her position and drag her into unnecessary political debates.
"I have recently been made aware of yet another fake post circulating on social media purporting to quote me as criticizing President Tinubu. This is completely false," the WTO chief stated emphatically. She noted that this wasn't the first time her name had been weaponized to spread false information online.
Call for Public Vigilance Against Fake News
The former Nigerian finance minister used the opportunity to caution the public against the dangers of misinformation. She urged Nigerians to verify the authenticity of information before sharing it, warning that fake news poses a serious threat to public trust and healthy political discourse in the country.
Okonjo-Iweala specifically called on social media users to avoid linking prominent personalities to false political narratives. She emphasized that such practices not only damage individual reputations but also undermine the integrity of public conversation in Nigeria's digital space.
Reaffirming WTO Commitment Amid False Claims
Amid the controversy, the WTO Director-General reaffirmed her commitment to her duties at the global trade organization. She stressed that her priority remains advancing trade-driven economic growth for developing countries, including Nigeria, rather than engaging in domestic political commentary.
This incident comes at a significant time in Okonjo-Iweala's leadership journey at the WTO. Her first four-year term as head of the organization concludes on August 31, 2025, with her second term scheduled to begin the following day, September 1, 2025.
The timing of the fake post is particularly noteworthy given the recent meeting between President Tinubu and Okonjo-Iweala at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. That closed-door meeting, which occurred just weeks before the false statement surfaced, focused on trade issues with implications for Nigeria, Africa, and the global economy.
Okonjo-Iweala made history in March 2021 when she became the first African and first woman to lead the 164-member World Trade Organization. Throughout her tenure, she has worked to strengthen global trade systems and address challenges facing developing economies.
President Tinubu has previously expressed strong support for her leadership, describing it as a valuable asset to both the WTO and the African continent. He has voiced confidence that her reappointment would reinforce the organization's role in driving inclusive growth and fair governance in global trade.
