Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Shuts Down Critics Over Her Tinubu Snub Rumours

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and a former Nigerian Finance Minister has clarified why she shared photos of herself with some African leaders at the Paris Global Financial Summit but not with Bola Tinubu, her home country’s President.

Okonjo-Iweala, who is the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO, said she posted photos on her Twitter page on Friday in the order she received them from her staff or colleagues.

She added that reading more into it was unwarranted and urged Nigerians to unite to build their country instead of attacking each other.

Her explanation came after some supporters of Tinubu and members of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), criticized her for allegedly snubbing him at the event. They accused her of being biased and disrespectful to President Tinubu.

However, on Saturday, Okonjo-Iweala shared more photos with Tinubu and other leaders such as President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President Macky Sall of Senegal, President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire and President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana.

She tweeted: “Nigerians please relax! Re: Paris, Interesting attacks from both sides sadly show the depth of polarisation in our society. I post photos in the order received by accompanying staff or colleagues. Reading more into it is unwarranted. Let’s unite to build our country not attack!”

Her tweet sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media. Some praised her for being diplomatic and professional, while others mocked her for bowing to pressure from Tinubu’s supporters. Some also used the opportunity to express their views on the state of affairs in Nigeria and the role of politicians.

Here are some of the comments:

@stainless231 wrote: “This is how politicians play with your intelligence (that’s if you have). They give you what would actually trigger hatred so as to get a divided number.”

@IamAbiodunAA wrote: “This woman na LEGEND. See as she dey play all of una. Well, stop insulting people because of politicians. Politicians don’t hate each other.”

@Abdulazeezmuda1 wrote: “Lol, they dragged the woman till she posted Tinubu also😂😂😂 Bandit in Both LP/APC be like na only PDP no get online bandits”

@ayemojubar wrote: “The children of corn can rest now. As an experienced broker, she “saved the best for last” to see how the Agbado Ronu will react, and they never fail to disappoint.”

@rilwan_ola01 wrote: “Now that she posted the picture with him, can we now rest and go back to the critical issue that can further damage our country’s image and reputation?”

@FS_Yusuf_ wrote: “Now the poor agbado children can breathe”

@OmegaXDreams wrote: “APC supporters can breathe now!!! Ngozi Okonjo Iweala will be respected than your President anytime, any day! She strived hard for all qualifications & certificates!!! None is FAKE like BAT. She has the biggest personality out of Nigeria 🇳🇬 She is highly respected & accepted Globally!!! 💯Pls Take that to the bank & CAST OUT!!”

@MrChimaobikanu wrote: “Eyah, they made it to the consolidation list 😁. BAT was like; “Madame Director, wetin you dey do no good o”, Madame Ngoo just bone face like; “what is this one saying sef? Abegi leave my hand make I go meet important people Jare.”

@Irunnia_ wrote: “All the Agbado people that didn’t sleep throughout last night because they’re drafting tweets can now go to sleep.” 😂😂

Newsflash Nigeria is an online newspaper that is developed and written exclusively for Nigerians. It’s packed with up-to-the-minute Local and National Economy News, Share & Capital Market, Health, Sports, Education, Technology, Business and Opinions.

To make further advert enquiries or place an order, please contact us at [email protected] and +2348053316946 and WhatsApp number 08033546732