THE Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has debunked a viral quote attributed to her regarding Nigeria’s debt profile and fuel subsidy removal.
She disclosed this via her personal X handle on June 24, 2024.
The WTO head said the viral message was fake and intended to disinform people while highlighting that her name is being used deviously to fight political battles.
“THIS IS IMPORTANT- It appears that there are people in Nigeria trying to use my name and image on social media to fight battles on different sides of the political divide, putting words in my mouth that I never said,” Dr. Okonjo-Iweala posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday.
READ: Okonjo-Iweala debunks claim of bringing investors to Nigeria
Alongside her X post, she shared a screenshot of the viral quote attributed to her. An image of Okonjo-Iweala was attached to the viral quote to make it look authentic.
The text read in the viral quote read:
Nigeria debt for the first time in history has risen to 24trillion in just 2 months even after removing subsidy is something unbelievable. I call several times to help and advise but the current administration and cabals refuse to let me come in. How can you remove fuel subsidy with a debt of 24trillion in 2 months.
She emphasised that the viral message was false while warning individuals soiling her name for their political gains to desist from the act.
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“Therefore, I want to alert everyone that the message below is FAKE. This is a stern warning to all those trying to misuse my name for their political ends that I will continue to rebut any attempts to use my name and image falsely!”, part of her X post read.
It will be recalled that in May 2024, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala also refuted a claim which alleged that she was bringing investors to Nigeria.
Seasoned fact-checker and researcher Fatimah Quadri has written numerous fact-checks, explainers, and media literacy pieces for The FactCheckHub in an effort to combat information disorder. She can be reached at sunmibola_q on X or [email protected].