The World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has denounced a fabricated report circulating on social media that attributed false statements to her about Nigeria’s debt crisis.
The fake report, which has gone viral, claimed Okonjo-Iweala expressed shock at Nigeria’s debt reaching N24 trillion in just two months, despite the removal of fuel subsidies.
It also accused the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) led administration of refusing her offers of help and advice.
The fake report quoted Okonjo-Iweala as saying, “Nigeria’s debt for the first time in history, has risen to N24 trillion in just two months, even after removing subsidy is something unbelievable.
“I called several times to help and advise but the current administration and cabals refuse to let me come in. How can you remove fuel subsidy with a debt of 24 trillion in two months.”
Okonjo-Iweala, in a statement on Monday, warned that unknown individuals are misusing her name and image to spread false information, fueling political debates.
She also warned those who misuse her name for their political ends that she will continue to refute any attempts to use her name and image falsely.
“It appears that there are people in Nigeria trying to use my name and image on social media to fight battles on different sides of the political divide, putting words in my mouth that I never said,” Okonjo-Iweala said.
“Therefore, I want to alert everyone that the message below is FAKE. This is a stern warning to all those trying to misuse my name for their political ends that I will continue to rebut any attempts to use my name and image falsely!”
