President Muhammadu Buhari Monday
in Abuja assured Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala,
that the country will explore every opportunity and deploy its entire energy to
ensure that she becomes the Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Dr Okonjo-Iweala is one of two
candidates left in the race to fill the top position of the multilateral
institution.
President Buhari, who received
the former Managing Director (Operations) of the World Bank at the Presidential
Villa, said she deserved more support to get the top job because of her profile
and diligence in serving the country, and the world.
“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,’’ he added.
The President assured Dr
Okonjo-Iweala that he will make more phone calls, and send letters to some
world leaders for more support.
“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,’’ the President told Dr Okonjo-Iweala.
Dr Okonjo-Iweala, a renowned
development economist, thanked the President and his ministers, particularly
the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, and Ministers of Industry, Trade and
Investment for supporting her staunchly.
“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,’’ she said.
The former Minister of Finance
also appreciated ECOWAS leaders for their endorsement, mentioning in particular
the outstanding contributions of President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic
and immediate past Chairman of ECOWAS as well as President Alhassan Quattara of
Cote d’Ivoire.
She asked 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.’’
“Mr President, put a smile on my
face,’’ she said, “I am very proud of the country.’’
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