Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Denies Criticising President Tinubu Over Insecurity

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has denied authoring a social media post that allegedly criticised President Bola Tinubu over Nigeria’s insecurity.

The post, which circulated widely on WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, was titled “TRUMP DIDN’T ‘HIT’ US — OUR LEADERS DID.”

Several versions of the same message accused Nigerian leaders of failing to protect citizens and prioritising talks with criminals over national security.

One version read, “This is not about an insult from abroad; it’s about a collapse within. When those in power spend more time negotiating with killers than protecting citizens, when terrorists become TV guests instead of prison inmates — the real problem isn’t foreign criticism, it’s local failure.”

It went on to address Tinubu directly, saying Nigerians don’t need outrage over Trump’s threat, urging him to secure the nation, disarm militias, and prosecute killers.

“President Tinubu, Nigerians don’t need outrage over Trump’s words; they need safety in their homes. Enough of the press statements and blame games — secure the nation. Disarm the militias. Prosecute the killers. And if your current forces can’t deliver, bring in experts under full accountability. But act.” the post added.

Although the post referenced no direct quote from U.S. President Donald Trump, it appeared after reports that he had threatened military action against Nigeria if Christians were not protected.

Responding on Saturday, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala described the social media post as fake, warning the public against sharing it.

“Beware this story going around on WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook is false! We are taking action! The person who did this could not even spell my name,” she said.

She condemned those behind the fake post, describing them as cowards hiding under her name to spread misinformation.

“Whichever coward did this should write the message in their own name and not hide behind mine or anyone else’s! Scammers and 419ers, stop!” she added.

KanyiDaily recalls that President Donald Trump warned that the United States might “go in guns blazing” if the alleged killings of Christians continued in Nigeria.

[irp]