National Chairman of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, and President-general of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo has welcomed the historic emergence of Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as the first female and African Director General of the World Trade Organization, WTO.
Prince Secondus in a congratulatory message from his media office in Abuja said that the victory of Dr Okonjo-Iweala in the highly contested global position mirrors the greatness of tomorrow’s Nigeria.
Chief Nwodo said that the emergency of Dr Okonjo-Iweala is a reward for excellence which she represents.
The President General said in a statement he personally signed that the victory is uplifting as it came at the right time when Nigeria and her citizens were going through difficult times.
Prince Secondus added that the victory is a reward for hardwork and commitment to excellence as she demonstrated in all positions she held nationally and internationally.
According to the party chairman, “this savoring news coming at this time that the nation is witnessing her worse due to leadership failure is relieving and hope rising that a greater tomorrow awaits this land.
Prince Secondus noted that Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s victory coming shortly after the re- election of Dr Akinwumi Adesina as the President of the African Development Bank, AfDB, gladdens particularly the PDP who had brought Nigeria’s best heads into government.
The PDP boss however commended President Muhammadu Buhari for putting aside political sentiment in backing both Adesina and Okonjo-Iweala for the exalted international jobs.
Prince Secondus also commended the international community particularly the ECOWAS and the African Union, AU, for showing brotherhood when it was highly needed.
Finally, Prince Secondus prayed God to grant her daughter all she will need, wisdom, the intellect and discerning mind to lead the World trade.
The President-General of the apex socio-political and cultural organization, Chief Nwodo, noted that “a Nigerian daughter emerging to lead such high global body at this time gives hope that the future is right if square pegs are put in square holes in the leadership in this country.”
Nwodo said that as the first female and African to occupy the exalted position, Dr Okonjo-Iweala is making history which she rightly merits given her overwhelming credentials and track records locally and internationally.
The PG commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his unflinching support that made Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s victory possible.
The Ohanaeze leader also praised the unity of purpose of African leaders that made the victory easy and deserving.
While congratulating Dr Okonjo-Iweala, the Ohanaeze leader prayed God to grant her mercy and the wisdom needed for her to excel in the new position.
But despite the wide global support for Dr Okonjo-Iweala’s, the Trump administration has expressed its opposition to her emergence. Sher emerged after polling 104 of the 164-member countries votes at the election.
Yet, despite also being an American citizen, sources said the Trump administration does not consider Okonjo-Iweala as being committed enough to its interests at the world trade body.
Unlike the World Bank where the US has a larger voting power than other countries, the WTO is run differently, by the consensus of every member country.
According to the website of the global trade agency, “the WTO is run by its member governments. All major decisions are made by the membership as a whole,” the WTO website reads. In this respect, the WTO is different from some other international organizations such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.
“Where consensus is not possible, the WTO agreement allows for voting — a vote being won with a majority of the votes cast and on the basis of ‘one country, one vote’.”
