By Francis Sadhere, Warri

Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has congratulated former Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on her emergence as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation.

In a congratulatory message he posted on his verified Facebook account on Tuesday, Uduaghan said that the news of her confirmation as first woman and African to emerge Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has not come to Deltans as a surprise and resonates more with them.

The message read; “As Federal Minister of Finance, Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, alias NOI, had several running battles with Governors.

“While the Governors felt she was, as a typical Finance person, holding on too tighly to money, ( Excess Crude Funds), she felt the Governors were unbelievers in savings. Her push for the formation of the Sovereign Wealth Fund therefore met brick-wall with the Governors.

“At a point we had to invite her to the Governors Forum meeting to deal with the deadlock. Former Governor Peter Obi and I ( her “paddies” in the Forum) had to advise her separately on how to get her way through. The game plan worked and Nigeria eventually started the Sovereign Wealth Fund.

“As a member of the Anti-Illegal Bunkering Committee of the Federal Government which I headed, NOI, supported me fully because reduction of oil theft obviously meant more money to the national purse.

“Man is a very political animal. We are involved in politics almost in all aspects of life. A lot of politics goes into our decision making process even at the highest political offices.

“All through my days as a political office holder, I had cause to meet Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, alias NOI. She held top positions at the Federal level representing Abia State (her husband’s home state), but she never forgot about Delta State -her state.

“We had reasons to interact on several occasions -ranging from issues of Finance, infrastructure development, security (kidnapping) and family issues (children marriages). In all of these, she displayed her intelligence, firmness and political sagacity.

“The news of her confirmation as first woman and African to emerge Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) therefore has not come to us as a surprise and resonates more with us -Deltans.

“This is the best news for the people of Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, Nigeria and indeed all of Africa in 2021 amidst the global pandemic.

“We love the fact that she was the best by merit; not by zoning or mere sympathy to the female gender. There is no bigger inspiration than this for women especially in developing countries like ours.

“Just like you did in Nigeria, World Bank and anywhere your financial Midas touch was imprinted, you’re the best person to bring the much needed reform to the WTO.

“We are so proud of you and wish you all the very best in the discharge of your duties in your new role.”