Okonjo-Iweala calls out Biafran leader over false claims

The former minister has dismissed as false a claim by Biafra leader Simon Ekpa regarding a $57.5 billion loan for the Biafra Republic Government in Exile

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igeria’s former Finance Minister and current Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has firmly dismissed claims by Biafran political activist Simon Ekpa, who falsely stated that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank had agreed to lend $57.5 billion to the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, with Okonjo-Iweala’s involvement.

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She called the statement “outrageous” and urged those misusing her name to stop.

Ekpa, a Finnish politician and self-declared leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, made the claims in a tweet on 23 October 2024, expressing gratitude to Okonjo-Iweala for allegedly facilitating the loan.

However, the renowned economist was quick to refute the information, emphasising that it was entirely false. She also stressed the importance of maintaining truthfulness, especially in politically sensitive times.

“I know no sensible person will believe what is contained in the outrageous tweet below but in these troubled times it is important to underscore that the statement is false. Again I enjoin all those seeking to misuse my name to desist!” she responded.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has served as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization since March 2021, making history as the first woman and African to hold the position.

Also read: WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala calls for action against oil theft in Nigeria

However, Ekpa has also debunked the comment attributed to him claiming it was the handiwork of ‘nonentities’ and used the opportunity to take a swipe at the former minister.

“Dear Madam @NOIweala, i never tweeted such, it is even surprising that you can tweet this because your name was mentioned, we have been tweeting about the Nigeria terrorism against your people and you never responded nor showed any remorse. Here you are, defending what nonentities did with your name, but have been mute about all the killings by the government you served. I congratulate you for always defending yourself and your integrity, even when they are photoshopped. It shows you are really a mother. Thank you for defending yourself but i never tweeted such thing, it is false and fake,” he wrote.