Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has explained why she posted images taken with President Bola Tinubu at a summit in Paris, France, late on social media.
Mrs Okonjo-Iweala, Tinubu, and businessman Tony Elumelu were among those present at the ‘A New Global Financing Pact’ event hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Tinubu was able to express his demand for fiscal space, economic justice for Africa as the globe accelerates the pace of energy transition, and the importance of addressing the pressing concerns of poverty and climate change on a global scale at the summit.
Okonjo-Iweala shared photos from the summit with other leaders on Friday. She received criticised for not sharing any photos she had taken with Tinubu.
“If she likes, let her not acknowledge or recognise the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” All Progressives Congress chieftain Adamu Garba tweeted. The same Nigeria that helped her become who she is today, the leader of the same party, APC, that gave her the means to obtain her current position as WTO DG.
“If she is doing so to slander Tinubu as a person, she should be aware that Tinubu is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” Whoever holds a grudge against him has done so against the government and people of Nigeria. We took notice of this. Indeed, rebellion is the most serious of all sins.”
More images from the Paris Summit #NewGlobalFinancingPact. With HE President Ali Bongo @PresidentABO, HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT, HE President @WilliamsRuto and African Business moguls @Mo_IbrahimFdn @TonyOElumelu pic.twitter.com/TIRWCzgB7E
— Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (@NOIweala) June 24, 2023
On Saturday, Okonjo-Iweala published more photos, one of which showed Tinubu shaking her hand.
Reacting to the backlash, the former Nigerian minister of finance urged Nigerians to unite, adding that she shares photos in the order received by accompanying colleague.
“Nigerians please relax! Re Paris, Interesting attacks from both sides. Sadly shows the depth of polarization in our society. I post photos in the order received by accompanying staff or colleagues. Reading more into it is unwarranted. Let’s unite to build our country not attack!” She wrote.