The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has formally endorsed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the position of Director-General of the World Trade Organisation for the period of 2021-2025.
This is contained in a statement Signed by ECOWAS President, Mahamadou Issoufou.
ECOWAS called on other African countries to back Okonjo-Iweala who Issoufou referred to as a “Fearless reformer”.
The nomination has been commended by top officials including Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former Liberian president.
Issoufou said the ECOWAS leadership considered among others, Okonjo-Iweala’s “established reputation as a fearless reformer,negotiating and political skills and her over 30years experience.
Copy of the endorsement letter below:
The Republic of Benin had earlier withdrawn its candidate from the race and pledged support for Okonjo-Iweala.
Meanwhile, the nomination of Okonjo-Iweala had triggered slight controversy.
The office of the legal counsel of the African Union, had said that the candidature of Okonjo-Iweala for the position violates the rules of the AU.
However, the Nigerian embassy and permanent mission to the African Union, AU , responded saying claims that Okonjo-Iweala’s nomination contravenes laid-down rules are unguarded and failed all parameters of objectivity and unbiased submission.
.Recall that On June 4, President Muhammadu Buhari approved the nomination of Okonjo-Iweala, for the top WTO job.
Also Read: ECOWAS leaders to meet Thursday over Coronavirus pandemic
The deadline for the nomination of candidates for the WTOplum job is 8th July 2020.
(Editor:Abaje Usekwe)
