WTO: Okonjo-Iweala refutes rumours of being appointed new DG

Former Finance Minister, Dr. (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has faulted reports that she has been declared the new Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Okonjo-Iweala said contrary to reports, the race for the WTO DG was still on.

She made the clarification in a statement signed by her Media Adviser, Paul Nwabuikwu, on Friday.

According to the statement: “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.”

WTO had declared Okonjo-Iweala and South Korea’s Yoo Myung-hee as the two candidates who scaled through to the final stage of nominations.