Okonjo-Iweala disowns viral post criticising Tinubu over insecurity

Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has denied a viral social media post falsely attributed to her, which reportedly criticised President Bola Tinubu over Nigeria’s insecurity.

The post, titled “Trump didn’t ‘hit’ us – our leaders did,” claimed Okonjo-Iweala accused Nigerian leaders of talking more than taking action against banditry and insurgency. It also said she urged Tinubu to “stop the damage control speeches” and “secure the people.”

Reacting on her verified X account on Saturday, Okonjo-Iweala called the post fake and malicious. She warned the public not to believe or share the false information and said legal action is being taken against those behind it.

“Beware, this story going around on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook is false! We are taking action! The person who did this could not even spell my name,” she wrote.

Okonjo-Iweala also condemned the impersonation and called on the culprits to take responsibility instead of hiding behind her identity.

“Whichever coward did this should write the message in their own name and not hide behind mine or anyone else’s! Scammers and 419ers, stop!” she added.

Her statement comes amid renewed international attention after U.S. President Donald Trump said Christians were being targeted in Nigeria. On his Truth Social platform, Trump warned that the United States might take direct military action if the alleged killings continue.

The comment drew criticism and prompted a formal response from President Tinubu and the Nigerian government. Tinubu said the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that his administration works with leaders of all faiths to ensure peace and security.

He rejected portrayals of Nigeria as a religiously intolerant country, describing them as inaccurate and inconsistent with the nation’s diversity and unity.

Tinubu also said Nigeria would continue to work with the United States and other international partners to deepen mutual understanding and protect communities of all faiths.

Despite these assurances, Trump reiterated on Wednesday that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening” and pledged that his administration is “ready, willing and able to protect our great Christian population around the world.”