Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has endorsed a video released by former Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to campaign for the position of Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Okonjo-Iweala shared the video via her Twitter handle @NOIweala on Thursday, July 9.
Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari nominated the Twitter board member as Nigeria’s pick for the WTO job in June.
Earlier in the week, Okonjo-Iweala lamented that although she is the most qualified for the job, she lacks the resources to engage public relations firms and lobbyists that other candidates might be using.
The Chair of the Board of GAVI, the global vaccine alliance, therefore appealed for volunteers to help her push the message.
In the video, which has garnered more than 106,000 views on Twitter, the Harvard-trained economist promised to cause a turn around at the WTO by deploying her vast experience.
“I’ve spent my life working with teams around the world to deliver reforms, broker agreement, improve systems, fight corruption and empower economies,” she says.
According to her, world trade is at a critical moment due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the WTO has a vital role to play.
She added that if elected, she would rally WTO members at this critical moment, make the organisation listen to them, seek common ground, hunt for solutions, rebuild trust and return to its founding mission.
“I want to bring a fresh pair of eyes and ears to the WTO and make it fit to thrive for the 21st Century,” she adds.
Watch video:
Trade is a force for good, and properly harnessed can help lift millions out of poverty and bring shared prosperity. The role of @WTO is more vital than ever. Let’s fight for a WTO that works for all. pic.twitter.com/5JQb90hNZo
— Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (@NOIweala) July 9, 2020
Reacting, Atiku stated, “I, Atiku Abubakar, endorse this message. Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s experience and the enormous related works she has done confirms without equivocation that her leadership shall be a blessing to @wto and the world.”
Read Also: Beware of fraudsters, Air Force recruitment is free – Spokesman