Reactions To Okonjo-Iweala’s Warning: Do Not Drag My Name Into Political Disputes

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has issued a strong warning against the misuse of her name in political conflicts.

Okonjo-Iweala expressed concern about a scheme to use her name for political gain and urged those involved to stop immediately.

Her response came after a Facebook post falsely attributed a statement to her, claiming Nigeria’s debt had risen to N24 trillion within two months, an unprecedented increase despite the removal of fuel subsidies, and her offer to assist was turned down.

According to the fabricated post, Okonjo-Iweala stated that Nigeria’s debt has risen to 24 trillion in just two months, despite the removal of the subsidy. This is unbelievable. I have called several times to offer assistance and advice, but the current administration and cabals will not let me in. How can you eliminate fuel subsidies with a $24 trillion debt in two months?”

To refute this claim, the former Nigerian Minister of Finance took to X to clarify: “THIS IS IMPORTANT- It appears that there are people in Nigeria trying to use my name and image on social media to fight battles on different sides of the political divide, putting words in my mouth that I never said.

“As a result, I would like to inform everyone that the message below is a forgery. This is a stern warning to all those attempting to use my name for political gain that I will continue to refute any false use of my name and image!”