Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s ex-finance minister has debunked reports in some sections of the media that she has been appointed the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
A statement issued by her media adviser, Paul Nwabuikwu on Thursday night, clarified that she has not yet been declared winner.
There are two candidates remaining in the race; Dr Okonjo-Iweala and South Korea’s Yoo Myung-hee.
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The statement read: “The race for the WTO director-general is still very much on.
“Contrary to inaccurate information released online by an unidentified source, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has not yet been declared winner.
“As announced by WTO, the former managing director of the World Bank and South Korea’s Yoo Myung-hee are the final two contestants left in the race.
“The winner should be announced in two to three weeks. That remains the correct position. Dr Okonjo-Iweala is appreciative and energised by the enthusiastic support of Nigerians.
“And she is urging all to keep praying until the final whistle.”
Okonjo-Iweala had earlier on Thursday expressed her gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari, WTO members and Nigerians for their support of her candidacy so far.
In the message on her verified Twitter handle, she wrote: “Happy to be in the final round of the @wto DG campaign. Thanks, WTO members for your continued support of my candidacy. I could not have made it without the prayers and support of all Nigerians and friends around the world. Thank you @MBuhari and all my friends. Aluta continua!”
