News
Okonjo-Iweala urges WTO to elect DG on merit, says she’s well suited
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Wednesday in Geneva stressed the need for the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to elect a credible candidate based on merit for the position of Director-General.
Okonjo-Iweala who is among the eight candidates vying for the position, stated this while answering questions from newsmen at a press conference held shortly after her presentation to the WTO General Council.
“ Choosing a Director-General for WTO should be on merit. The best person should be chosen to lead an institution that’s having challenges “
“ If it happens to be a woman, great . If it happens to be an African its also great. It should be based on merit “ She said while extolling the qualities which makes her well suited for the job.
“ The WTO needs leadership and I’m someone with a strong managerial capability with the ability to forge consensus and reforms”
“ These bundles of qualities in addition to my leadership quality is what I’m bringing to the WTO” She added.
Okonjo-Iweala also spoke on various issues ranging from trade implication of Covid-19, challenges to Micro Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (MSMSE) as well as E-Commerce.
According to her, E-Commerce and digital Economy are vital forms of trade especially in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
However, she said, there was need to address the challenge of digital divide in developing and least developed nations – where infrastructure remained a major impediment to such form of trade.
Similarly, she emphasized the need to strengthen MSMSE – a vital part of global economy which was adversely affected by the pandemic.
In the same vein, the former Finance Minister, also said that in tackling Covid-19, if elected as Director-General, she would ensure that vaccines are accessible to poorer countries.
“ When vaccines becomes available, there will be allocation criteria that will ensure that it’s accessible to all” She stressed while noting that she will bring her experience as Chair of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance board to bear.
Other issues addressed by Okonjo- Iweala include fostering relations among member countries to rebuild trust on restoring consensus decision making- in other to strengthen the WTO.
Alongside Okonjo-Iweala , are candidates from Mexico, Egypt, Moldova, Republic of Korea , Kenya, UK and Saudi Arabia vying for the WTO Director General position ( NAN)
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
*
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
*
I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
photo
JUST IN: Even Tinubu moves with too many police escorts – Senator Ndume
-
Uncategorized5 years agoFG, states urged to harness flooding for ranching, others with technology – Agbaje
-
Headlines10 years agoBreaking: EFCC seals Borno House of Assembly, as Hon members take to their heels
-
News11 years agoNigeria Security Operatives Stage Manhunt For Homosexual Perpetrator
-
News9 years agoHow 21-year-old Girl fled community over accusation of lesbianism
-
News10 years agoYobe Gov Moves Against Deputy
-
Opinion7 years ago7 signs she has friend zoned you
-
Technology4 years ago
Online job placement company headhunts women
-
Headlines10 years agoBorno Dep Gov Abducts Another Church Leader