Okonjo-Iweala Reacts to Alleged $57.5 Billion Claim by Simon Ekpa for Biafran Government

Okonjo-Iweala Reacts to Alleged $57.5 Billion Claim by Simon Ekpa for Biafran Government

  • Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General, denied claims that she helped secure $57.5 billion for the Biafran government
  • Simon Ekpa's Response: Simon Ekpa, a Biafran separatist leader, responded to Okonjo-Iweala’s denial by asserting that he never made the alleged claim
  • While denying the claim, Ekpa criticized Okonjo-Iweala for her silence on violence in Nigeria's Southeast region

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has firmly refuted claims that she was involved in securing $57.5 billion for the Biafran government.

The claim, allegedly linked to Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the Biafran separatist movement, had been circulating on social media.

Okonjo-Iweala reacts to alleged $57.5bn for Biafran govt
Okonjo-Iweala reacts to alleged $57.5bn for Biafran govt Photo credit: Bloomberg/Simon Ekpa
Source: Getty Images

The former Nigerian minister's message was a direct response to a widely circulated tweet claiming that $57.5 billion had been secured for the Biafran government.

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In her response, Okonjo-Iweala took to her official X page to express her concern over the false narrative.

She reiterated that the statement was entirely fabricated and urged those using her name in such misleading contexts to desist.

Addressing the claim, Okonjo-Iweala said:

“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!”

Simon Ekpa’s replies to Okonjo-Iweala

Following Okonjo-Iweala’s rebuttal, Simon Ekpa issued his statement on X, denying any involvement in the alleged tweet.

Ekpa further clarified that he did not make the alleged claim, describing it as "false and fake."

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He also used the opportunity to criticize Okonjo-Iweala for her silence on issues related to violence and killings in Nigeria, especially those involving the Southeastern region.

Ekpa, known for his vocal support of the Biafran movement and criticisms of the Nigerian government, responded by saying:

“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.”

See Okonjo-Iweala's response below:

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ezra Ukanwa avatar

Ezra Ukanwa (Editor) Ezra Ukanwa is a first-class graduate of Anchor University, Lagos. He holds a master's degree in mass communication. Ezra currently serves as the Current Affairs and Politics Editor for Legit.ng, where he covers events and provides insightful analysis and reportage on national issues. He was named best Campus Journalist (Anchor University Communications Award, 2019). Kindly contact him at: ezra.ukanwa@corp.legit.ng or +2349036989944

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