WTO DG: Nigerians Blast US’ Veto Against Okonjo-Iweala …We’ll Engage US Govt Despite Stance, FG Assures

Nigerians have criticised the President Donald Trump-led United States administration for opposing Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the consensus candidate for the post of director-general of the World Trade Organisation.
Many Nigerians had expressed delight when key WTO ambassadors led by New Zealand’s Amb David Walker proposed Okonjo-Iweala as the best candidate for the job.
However, while most of the 164 member states that comprise the WTO supported the former Nigerian finance minister to take up the role, the US delegation opposed the move, saying it supported South Korean Trade Minister, Yoo Myung-hee instead.
In a statement opposing the Nigerian, the Office of the US Trade Representative, which advises President Donald Trump on trade policy, said the organisation “must be led by someone with real, hands-on experience in the field”.
The statement said Ms Yoo had “distinguished herself” as a trade expert and “has all the skills necessary to be an effective leader of the organisation”, the statement said.
It added: “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.”
Reacting, some Nigerians likened the US opposition to that encountered by African Development Bank chief, Akinwumi Adesina, who also faced intense hostility from the Trump administration in Washington before his re-election.
The breakthrough of Adesina, has, however, been a source of hope for many who want the former World Bank director to become the first African and first female director-general in the 25-year-old history of the global trade organisation.
Popular journalist, Dele Momodu, said on a TV programme this morning, “It is very unfortunate. I don’t know why the US is always opposing Nigeria’s candidates but I believe the other countries will stand up against the bullying of America.
“Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is one of the brightest, not only on the continent but in the world. I look forward to congratulating her as soon as possible.”
Below are some reactions: “I love Donald Trump and I want him to win the presidential election on November 3rd. I believe he is the best for…”, Femi Fani-Kayode said, yesterday.
Akin Akinsehinwa stated, “The US should just let Nigeria be. The US made frantic efforts to block the re-election of Dr Akinwumi Adesina but God put it to shame. The same God is still on His throne. So, the US should expect another round of disgrace.”
Hephzibah Suobo said, “Is the WTO a property of one country or all its members? She already had the majority of the votes out of 164 states. She can’t be stopped.”
Reacting to her nomination, Okonjo-Iweala insisted that she has enough experience on trade to lead the desired reform in the organisation.
Okonjo-Iweala said that her broad experience in championing reform made her the right person to help put the WTO back on track.
“I am a reform candidate and I think the WTO needs the reform credentials and skills now”, she argued.
The former Nigerian finance minister, said that she remains positive of becoming the first African and first female director-general of the World Trade Organisation despite ‘hiccups’.
“We move on to the next step on November 9, despite hiccups. We’re keeping the positivity going!”
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has said that it was working with relevant stakeholders to secure United States’ support for Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s bid of becoming the new World Trade Organisation’s Director General.
A statement, yesterday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ferdinand Nwonye, in Abuja, said “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 the 164 Member States of WTO 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-Iweala 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 Organization is realised,” he said.
In the meantime, the WTO has called a meeting on November 9 – after the US presidential election – to discuss the issue.
WTO spokesman, Keith Rockwell, told reporters that there was likely to be “frenzied activity” to secure a consensus for Ms Okonjo-Iweala’s appointment.