President Muhmmadu Buhari on Monday reaffirmed his support for former Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s bid to emerge the Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
The President who noted that Okonjo-Iweala merits the position, promised to rally support necessary for her victory.
He gave this assurance while he received Okonjo-Iweala in Abuja on Monday, after she visited the President to thank him for his support.
The President said: “I assure you that we will do all that we can to ensure that you emerge as the Director-General of WTO, not only because you are a Nigerian, but because you are a hardworking Nigerian. You deserve this.
“I did the same for Dr Akinwunmi Adesina for President of the African Development Bank. Both of you served the country under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). You are both highly qualified. We will continue to support you. I will immediately make those calls.”
Dr Okonjo-Iweala added: “I feel very proud of Nigeria. I am getting so much support from you, Mr President, Chief of Staff, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investments. The ministers have been working around the clock to ensure that I succeed.’’
Okonjo-Iweala had requested the President to “make one final push within the week to beat the Koreans and bring this to Nigeria by sending a few letters and placing telephone calls to some world leaders, and also thank others for their support.’’
She added: “Mr President, put a smile on my face, I am very proud of the country.”
Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala is in the race with Korean Mrs. Yoo Myung-hee.
