KEY POINTS
- Okonjo-Iweala denies viral post attacking Tinubu.
- Warns against misinformation amid Nigeria’s security crisis.
- Reaffirms focus on WTO’s trade-led development goals.
World Trade Organisation Director-General, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has dismissed a viral social media post falsely claiming she criticised President Bola Tinubu over Nigeria’s security challenges.
The former Finance Minister described the message as fabricated and misleading, saying it was part of a growing wave of misinformation exploiting her name to fuel political debate.
Fake post targets Okonjo-Iweala over Tinubu criticism
In a statement on her verified X handle, Okonjo-Iweala said she was aware of yet another “fake post” circulating online. “It is completely false,” she wrote, warning the public to disregard it.
She stressed that such disinformation undermines public trust and called on Nigerians to verify information before sharing it. “I urge everyone to check the source before amplifying unverified claims,” she added.
Misinformation spreads amid Nigeria’s security crisis
Okonjo-Iweala said her focus remains on leading the WTO’s work to promote inclusive, trade-led growth for developing economies. She reiterated her neutrality and commitment to professionalism in international affairs.
She also cautioned against the growing misuse of public figures’ names for political propaganda, saying it risks deepening social divisions.
The WTO chief, a former two-time Nigerian Finance Minister, has repeatedly been the target of fake quotes and manipulated posts in recent years.
