APC govs back Okonjo-Iweala for WTO job

Members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) have declared support for Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala in her quest for the position of Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Chairman of the PGF and Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, enjoined President Muhammadu Buhari to rally other African leaders behind the candidacy of Okonjo Iweala in the interest of Nigeria.

In a statement, the governors argued that emergence of the former Nigeria minister of finance and economy as head of the WTO would usher in an era of prosperity for Africa. They said the world would be more united with her in the saddle at the WTO.

Eulogising the sterling leadership qualities of Okonjo Iweala, the governors noted: “In nominating our own Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, President Buhari is not just presenting a Nigerian candidate but is presenting to the world one of its best, albeit from Nigeria, and one who is eminently qualified to lead the task of fixing the world trading system.”

“An economist, international development expert and a global public servant, Okonjo-Iweala is one candidate that comes with all the experiences and expertise required to reposition the WTO. Both President Buhari and Dr. Okonjo-Iweala deserve commendation for giving the world the opportunity towards correcting the distortions in the world trading system.”

The PGF recalled that last year, President Buhari signed the African Free Trade Agreement that holds a lot of promise for Nigeria. “Getting it right at the WTO shall hasten the goals of Africa in the global arena with Okonjo-Iweala who is cut out for the job given her background, achievements, world view which promotes the belief that a trading system can work for the benefit all.”