Party, PDP, in the 2019 elections, Mr Peter Obi and others have eulogised the newly-elected Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, describing her emergence as historic.
Others are the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Uche Ekwunife, Sen. Andy Uba and Dr. Winston Ndubueze Udeh.
Obiano in a statement signed by his Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C. Don Adinuba said, the state delighted that Nigeria’s former Finance Minister, who has also been the Foreign Minister as well as the World Bank Managing Director, has finally emerged the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
“It is remarkable that Dr Okonjo-Iweala is the first African and the first female to lead this important organization with 164 members and 24 observer governments which was formed on January 1, 1995, to regulate international trade.
“Her triumph shows Nigeria’s foreign policy is regaining the dynamism of the past decades, as Governor Willie Obiano stated in three separate letters last October 30 to President Muhammadu Buhari, Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama as well as Information and Culture Minister Lai Mohammed,” he said.
Ayade in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Christian Ita, described the new WTO DG as the “poster girl of unassailable attainments and a record breaker who has not only
shattered a glass-ceiling but has continually proved her mettle and brought honour to the country”.
“We are extremely proud of one of our very best, our own dear Ngozi who has just emerged the first African, first woman and the first black Director General of WTO.
“As the Managing-General of the World Bank, Finance Minister, Foreign Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala brilliantly distinguished herself to the applause of her country men and women and to admiration of the world.
“It is not therefore, a surprise that the international community found her suitable for the exalted office of the WTO,” he said.
Obi, who had earlier drummed up support for Okonjo-Iweala’s candidacy, expressed delight at her emergence, saying she had always been known to shine brilliantly wherever she found herself.
He said he had high confidence that Okonjo-Iweala has the ability to draw from her knowledge, skills and wide experience from the economic and financial sectors, to lead the WTO to greater heights.
Obi stated that Okonjo-Iweala’s track record of success, both in Nigeria as Finance Minister and across the world where she successfully served in various high profile positions in many global organizations and agencies, including the World Bank, stood her out as the right candidate for the job.
Obi further commended the member-nations of WTO which, he said, put merit above sentiments in electing a very capable person for the job. He equally appreciated Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari for recognizing the great potentials in Okonjo-Iweala and nominating her for the job, noting that her emergence in the position is a huge blessing to the country.
Ekwunife has described the emergence of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the first female and first African Director General of the World Trade Organization as a boost to the global and national visibility of Nigerian women.
She noted that the former Nigerian Finance Minister has through her expertise, sound and deep knowledge of the global economy earned the opportunity to head the world’s leading international trade body.
“I am personally excited over the emergence of my sister, Okonjo-Iweala as the DG of WTO. Her emergence as the first female head of the globally powerful trade organization manifests the fact that the barriers to the growth of Nigerian women are gradually being lifted through the courageous spirit of our women.
“While one cannot take away the fact that our dear Okonjo-Iwealaattained this very enviable height through her personal accomplishments and devotion to her profession, it is most elating, and of course record breaking that she achieved this celebrated feat as a woman, more so, a
Nigerian woman,” she said.
Ekwunife stated her belief that the brilliant and very resourceful Okonjo-Iweala will use her experience to reposition the organization, which involves 164 member countries to adapt to the international trade realities of today.
“With billions in sales and thousands of jobs depending on the decisions and policies of the global trade body, there could not have been a more capable hand to run the affairs of WTO other than the Former Managing Director of World Bank,” she said.
Ekwunife commended the member nations and the selection body for leading a fair and transparent selection process.
She appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for recognizing the potentials of Dr Okonjo-Iweala, nominating her for the Job, and throwing the weight of the Federal Government behind her.
Uba stressed that her capacity to pilot the affairs of the organization is not in doubt as she has distinguished herself in public service when she held positions as the coordinating Minister of the economy, finance Minister and as a renowned development economist at the World Bank.
In his words,”I congratulate you, Dr Ngozi okonjo-iweala on your emergence as the first African Director General of the World Trade Organization, this is a victory for your distinguished self and for the country at large. l wish you well and urge you to be steadfast and focused, as we look forward to increased participation in the global
economy and global trade”.
Udeh, PDP guber aspirant in Anambra state said he joined the rest of the world to offer his congratulations and best wishes to Okonjo-Iweala
“Despite many of the difficulties confronting Nigerian citizens, this great economic reformer exemplify the exceptional intelligence and resilient culture of the Nigerian people.
“It is my belief that she will bring to bear her wealth of experience in the economic and finance sectors and managerial skills in navigating the affairs of the WTO, for the overall benefit of the world’s economy,” he said.