‘Relax Nigerians!’ Okonjo-Iweala reacts to Tinubu’s Paris photograph controversy

In response to the criticisms and controversies surrounding the photographs taken in Paris, France, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), expressed her thoughts on the matter.

The photographs in question depicted Okonjo-Iweala alongside various individuals, including President Bola Tinubu, but with Tinubu cropped out.

The photographs were taken during the summit for ‘A New Global Financing Pact,’ organized by French President Emmanuel Macron. This summit provided Tinubu with a platform to advocate for widening the fiscal space, promoting economic justice for Africa amidst the global energy transition, and addressing urgent issues such as poverty and climate change.

However, the photographs stirred controversy among Nigerians, prompting Okonjo-Iweala to address the situation. Taking to Twitter, the former Finance minister called on Nigerians to relax and highlighted how the controversy exposed the deep polarization within society.

In her tweet, Okonjo-Iweala stated, “Nigerians, please relax! Re Paris, Interesting attacks from both sides. This sadly shows the depth of polarization 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.”

With her response, Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the need for unity and constructive dialogue in building a stronger Nigeria, rather than engaging in divisive attacks. She clarified that the order in which the photographs were posted simply followed the sequence in which they were received from her accompanying staff or colleagues. Okonjo-Iweala discouraged reading into the situation beyond its surface, emphasizing the importance of focusing on national development and cooperation.

As the Director General of the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala continues to play a crucial role on the global stage, advocating for fair trade practices, economic growth, and sustainable development. Her leadership and expertise contribute to shaping international policies that impact economies worldwide, including Nigeria.