The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has strongly denied claims that she facilitated a $57.5 billion loan for the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE). These allegations were made by separatist leader Simon Ekpa, who, on Wednesday, October 23, asserted that the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had agreed to grant the loan with Okonjo-Iweala's assistance.
Ekpa claimed that the funds were intended to support the establishment of a new government following the proposed declaration of Biafra's independence, scheduled for December 2, 2024. In a tweet, 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 the December 2nd 2024 declaration of Biafra. I thank our sister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for helping me to facilitate the loan."
In response to these allegations, Okonjo-Iweala categorically denied any involvement, labeling the claims as "outrageous" and "false." She emphasized that no rational person would believe such a statement, but felt compelled to clarify the issue given the current sensitive climate.
"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," she said in a statement released on Thursday via X (formerly Twitter).
Okonjo-Iweala also urged individuals misusing her name to stop immediately, adding, "Again, I enjoin all those seeking to misuse my name to desist."
Her swift denial comes as Nigeria faces ongoing tensions regarding separatist movements, making this clarification particularly important to avoid misinformation and speculation.
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