…Atiku, others in congratulatory galores for the new DG
BY SEUN JOSEPH
The National Assembly (NASS) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday differed on the dynamics that led to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala emergence as the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
While the NASS attributed her success to the quiet but dogged diplomacy of Nigeria and the unwavering commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari and her ultimate triumph in the prolonged contest for the very important position, the PDP, which is the main opposition party, averred that Okonjo-Iweala’s emergence as WTO DG, is the most suiting news for a troubled nation in search of its soul due to poor leadership.
However, it has been congratulatory galore for Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, from a broad spectrum of Nigerians following her emergence confirmation as the Director General (DG) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Monday.
The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, while congratulating the newly appointed DG applauded her for being the first African and first female Director-General of the World Trade Organization.
Lawan also congratulated Nigeria on the latest feat of its great daughter on the international stage.
He applauds the quiet but dogged diplomacy of Nigeria and the unwavering commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari which, no doubt, contributed to the acknowledgement of the sterling credentials of Dr Okonjo-Iweala and her ultimate triumph in the prolonged contest for the very important position.
“I heartily rejoice with Dr Okonjo-Iweala on this well-deserved victory.
“With her latest feat, the former Nigerian Minister of Finance and Managing Director of the World Bank has again brought honour to Nigeria, Africa and women everywhere,” Lawan says.
The Senate President urges the new Director-General to deploy her famed intellect, experience, energy and integrity in leading the WTO to promote global prosperity through fair trade.
Lawan says her task has been made even more onerous by the havoc that the Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked on economies across the world.
He prays for Almighty God to imbue her with good health and wisdom to succeed in the task.
The Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in an emotion laden speech, described Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, as a woman he knows very well, as according to him, they worked at close quarters between 2003 and 2007, when she served in that administration in various capacities, most notably as Finance Minister.
Atiku, said: “It is not hyperbole when I say that no one could be more qualified for the job of Director General of the World Trade Organisation than her, and I congratulate her for her success at being the first female and African DG of the WTO.
“She is an apostle of free trade and an astute manager of people and resources, and the world will be a much more prosperous place by her elevation to this enviable height.”
Atiku, averred that as the world prepares to emerge from the global pandemic of COVID19, the planet needs a steady hand at the wheel, to drive global trade, and rebuild from the devastation wrought by the virus. We would not need someone who thinks they can pull this off. We would need someone who has actually and serially pulled it off before. And that person has emerged.
Ngozi, Africa and Nigeria are proud of you and my family and I are full of joy at your victory. Go to Geneva and make us proud, as we know you will, he said in a statement made available to the Media on Monday.
Also, in a tribute on her appointment, the National Chairman of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Uche Secondus, welcomed the historic emergence of Nigeria’s former Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the first female and African Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
According to him, Okonjo-Iweala’s emergence as WTO DG, is the most suiting news for a trouble nation in search of its soul due to poor leadership.
In a congratulatory message from his media office, the PDP Chair, said the victory of Dr Okonjo-Iweala in the highly contested global position mirrors the greatness of tomorrow’s Nigeria notwithstanding the failure of today’s political leaders
He said that Okonjo-Iweala’s victory is a reward for hardwork and commitment to excellence as she demonstrated in all positions she held nationally and internationally.
“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.
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.
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 our daughter all she will need, wisdom, the intellect and discerning mind to lead the World trade.
