Okonjo-Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), says she is still enjoying her job amid talks of resignation.
Yesterday, Bloomberg reported that the WTO DG considered resignation due to the “organisation’s historical inertia”.
Okonjo-Iweala, the seventh WTO director-general took effect on March 1, 2021, becoming the first woman and the first African to serve as head of the institution.
Citing five WTO officials, Bloomberg reported that they explained that Okonjo-Iweala privately floated the idea that she may resign if there is no headway in dealing with/providing solutions to the critical issues of the institution.
“Okonjo-Iweala has repeatedly told ambassadors and staff that she could easily walk away from the job, and reminds them she hasn’t bought any furniture for her temporary home in Geneva,” Bloomberg quoted the officials.
Aside from resigning, officials also claimed that they suspect she (Okonjo-Iweala) wants to run for upcoming Nigeria’s presidential election in 2023.
Responding, Okonjo-Iweala told Bloomberg that she has no interest in running for president, adding that the allegation is “utterly ridiculous and not true”.
“I just got here. I am enjoying what I’m doing. It is a very exciting job, and I am trying to have some success here.”