Federal Govt steps up push for Okonjo-Iweala as WTO’s DG

The Federal Government has reiterated its backing for the candidacy of former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the director general of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in spite of the initial opposition to her emergence by the United States of America.

The Buhari administration made its intention known on Thuersday, while reacting to Wednesday’s veto by the US to block Okonjo-Iweala’s ambition, instead throwing its weight behind Korean Trade Minister, Yoo Myung-hee as the next WTO Director-General.

The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on behalf of the Federal Government said the government will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure that Okonjo-Iweala emerges directorgeneral of the World Trade Organisation.

Okonjo-Iweala, who is Nigeria’s candidate for the WTO top job, was named the most preferred candidate on Wednesday.

However, the US opposed her candidature and this caused a setback for her ambition.

The statement signed by Ferdinand Nwonye, spokesman for the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Nigeria will continue to consult with stakeholders ahead of the WTO’s November 9 general council meeting.

The statement reads: “The ministry of foreign affairs wishes to inform that the third and final round of the selection process of the director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO) was concluded on October 27 and the result was formally announced on October 28.

“The candidate from Nigeria, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has secured the support of majority of the member countries but is yet to be declared and returned the winner.

“This is because apart from winning the election, all 164 member states of WIO were expected to adopt the winner by consensus; in accordance with the rule of procedure of the WTO.

“It is important to highlight that Dr Okonjo-lweala has secured cross-regional backing with only the United States opposing the consensus.

“Nigeria will continue to engage relevant stakeholders to ensure that the lofty aspiration of her candidate to lead the World Trade Federal Govt steps up push for Okonjo-Iweala as WTO’s DG Organisation is realised.”

Commenting on the development, Okonjo-Iweala said a positive attitude will be maintained despite the hiccups.

“Happy for the success and continued progress of our @ wto DG bid. Very humbled to be declared the candidate with the largest, broadest support among members & most likely to attract consensus,” she tweeted.

“We move on to the next step on November 9, despite hiccups. We’re keeping the positivity going!”

Our correspondents report that the confirmation of Okonjo -Iweala as Director General of the World Trade Organization may take another twist following her rejection by the United States of America.

It’s understood that three WTO ambassadors, charged with finding a successor to Brazilian Roberto Azevedo, had decided that Nigerian former Finance Minister, Okonjo-Iweala should be the next chief as she had secured wide cross-regional backing.

However, the United States unequivocally stated that they did not back Okonjo-Iweala which now means her emergence will now be approved by consensus, meaning any WTO member could block her appointment.

“One delegation could not support the candidacy of Dr. Ngozi and said they would continue to support South Korean minister Yoo.

That delegation was the United States of America,” WTO spokesman Keith Rockwell told reporters at the WTO’s headquarters in Geneva after the closed-door meeting.

The WTO has set a meeting to settle the matter for Nov. 9, less than a week after U.S. voters go to the polls for a presidential election.

It was not immediately clear if the outcome of the vote would affect the U.S. position on OkonjoIweala’s appointment.

Rockwell said there was likely to be “frenzied activity” before the November 9 meeting to secure the required consensus.

Many members such as China and the United States had declined to name their preference publicly although some African, Caribbean and other states had voiced support for Okonjo-Iweala.

Meanwhile, the United States has explained why they didn’t back Iweala’s candidacy.

In a statement issued by the office of the US trade representative, it stated that the WTO requires reform and must be “led by someone with real, handson experience in the field”.

“The United States supports the selection of Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee as the next WTO Director-General,” the USTR, led by Robert Lighthizer (pictured above), said.

“Minister Yoo is a bona fide trade expert who has distinguished herself during a 25-year career as a successful trade negotiator and trade policy maker. She has all the skills necessary to be an effective leader of the organization.

“This is a very difficult time for the WTO and international trade.

There have been no multilateral tariff negotiations in 25 years, the dispute settlement system has gotten out of control, and too few members fulfill basic transparency obligations.

“The WTO is badly in need of major reform. It must be led by someone with real, handson experience in the field.” The statement read.

However, the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has reaffirmed his support for the candidacy of Nigeria’s former Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO), noting that her competence and experience as a renowned economist and international development expert make her eminently suited for the WTO top job.

In a statement, Obaseki described the former minister as a global icon with proven leadership skills that the WTO requires to chart a new course for global trade, amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The governor urged the United States to align with Nigeria and other nations of the world to support the candidacy of the renowned economist, as she has shown over time to possess the requisite temperament, skill-set and experience needed to lead the global trade body.

According to Obaseki, “As a two-time minister in Nigeria, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, with proven leadership skills, left indelible marks as an astute manager of the nation’s economy and resources.

“She has in time past spearheaded several World Bank initiatives as a former Managing Director (Operations) and possesses the bundle of skills and experience required for the new role.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Okonjo-Iweala: How US delegation opposed her nomination

“In the light of the coronavirus pandemic, she would bring her experience as the board chair of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, in negotiating the right deals to deliver vaccines, build stronger alliances to promote multilateral trade and instill needed discipline to advance development of developing economies so as to address trade imbalance.”

The governor added: “Having garnered the overwhelming support of the WTO’s 164 members, Okonjo-Iweala has moved a step closer to becoming the first woman and the first African to be director general of the global trade watchdog in its 25-year history.”