The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has forcefully denied allegations linking her to the facilitation of a $57.5 billion loan for the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE).
The claim, shared on social media by separatist leader Simon Ekpa, has stirred controversy following his suggestion that the funds were secured with her assistance.
On October 23, 2024, Ekpa took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce that both the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) had agreed to grant the sizable loan to BRGIE, purportedly with Okonjo-Iweala’s involvement.
He asserted that the funds would be used to support the establishment of a new government after a planned declaration of independence by Biafra on December 2, 2024.
Ekpa wrote, “The World Bank and IMF have agreed to loan the sum of $57.5 billion to Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) to form our government after December 2nd 2024 declaration of Biafra. I thank our sister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for helping me to facilitate the loan.”
However, Okonjo-Iweala swiftly refuted the claim, describing the statement as “outrageous” and unequivocally false.
Taking to X on Thursday, she expressed her dismay at the allegations and clarified her stance.
“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,” Okonjo-Iweala stated.
She further urged those who had been misusing her name for such unfounded claims to stop immediately.
“Again, I enjoin all those seeking to misuse my name to desist,” she added.
Okonjo-Iweala’s denial comes amid growing tension over separatist movements in Nigeria, particularly the push for Biafran independence.
The involvement of a high-profile international figure like the WTO chief in such matters would undoubtedly have caused significant geopolitical ripples, which may explain the urgency and clarity of her response.
Observers note that the situation underscores the broader challenges of misinformation in today’s political climate, where falsehoods can easily be spread online to inflame or manipulate public sentiment.
As of now, there has been no official response from the World Bank or IMF regarding Ekpa’s claim.