WTO Director General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has strongly disowned fake comments attributed to her that criticize Governor Alex Otti of Abia State. She warned political hacks against using her name for propaganda, threatening legal action to counter such deceitful tactics.
The Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has strongly disowned fake comments attributed to her regarding Governor Alex Otti of Abia State and his handling of the Enyimba Economic City project. Okonjo-Iweala has warned political propagandists against using her name for misinformation, threatening legal action against those involved.
Reacting to a fabricated statement that had been circulating, Okonjo-Iweala clarified that she never made any negative remarks about Governor Otti’s administration or the Enyimba Economic City project. The false statement, which allegedly emerged during the recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference, claimed that the WTO Chief had criticized the Labour Party government in Abia State for mismanaging resources and engaging in propaganda against previous administrations.
The fake comments were attributed to Okonjo-Iweala, suggesting she had expressed concerns about the interference of the current government with the Enyimba Economic City, a project intended to bring transformational economic development to the state. The remarks also insinuated that she criticized the government for its alleged propaganda against the former administration.
In her response, Okonjo-Iweala took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), to denounce the fabricated statements, describing them as “FAKE.” She wrote: “FAKE!! I have taken screenshots of a fake article purported to be written by me about Abia State and its Gov HE Alex Otti that tries to fraudulently build on my recent speech on a Social Contract for Nigeria. Political hacks beware of using me for propaganda. I shall take action.”
She emphasized her frustration with being misused for political propaganda and vowed to take necessary steps to prevent the misuse of her identity and statements in the future. The WTO Chief reiterated her commitment to impartiality and fairness, and her determination to protect her name and integrity from being dragged into the political fray.
The disowned remarks come amidst a backdrop of political tension in Abia State, where Governor Alex Otti has been championing the Enyimba Economic City project as a key initiative to transform the state’s economy and attract international investment.
Okonjo-Iweala’s stern warning to political actors signals a strong stance against misinformation and underscores her dedication to maintaining a clear and accurate representation of her views and positions.