Okonjo-Iweala reacts after US rejects her candidacy for WTO Director-General

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has reacted after the United States opposed her emergence as consensus candidate for appointment as Director-General of World Trade Organization.

Recall the World Bank expert and former Nigerian Finance Minister was slated to be the new WTO Director-General.

She was the candidate with support from the vast majority of member states, including the EU, Japan and China.

Reports said the United States representative at WTO took to the floor to insist that South Korea’s candidate remained a contender, and that Washington will not recognize Okonjo-Iweala if appointed Director-General.

To this regard, the General Counsel postponed its announcement of the new Director-General when they reconvene on November 9 after USA’s presidential elections.

Speaking a day after, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala tweeted, “Happy for the success & continued progress of our @wto DG bid. Very humbled to be declared the candidate with the largest, broadest support among members & most likely to attract consensus. We move on to the next step on Nov 9, despite hiccups. We’re keeping the positivity going!”