Okonjo-Iweala debunks Simon Ekpa’s claims she facilitated World Bank, IMF $57.5bn loan to Biafra
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has refuted claims by Finland-based controversial separatist, Simon Ekpa, alleging that she helped to facilitate a purported $57.5 billion World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) to form the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE).
Ekpa, a Biafran agitator accused of stocking violence in the South-East, claimed in a post on X that Okonjo-Iweala was instrumental in securing the purported loan.
He explained that the funds were meant to support the formation of a new government following a proposed declaration of Biafran Independence on December 2, 2024.
“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,” he wrote in the now-deleted post.
Okonjo-Iweala debunks Ekpa’s claim
But, taking to her X account on Thursday, October 24, 20024, the former Nigeria’s Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, debunked the allegation.
Okonjo-Iweala described the statement as outrageous and false.
“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 stated.
The WTO boss also called on individuals misusing her name to desist from such actions immediately.
“Again, I enjoin all those seeking to misuse my name to desist,” she added.
Ekpa denies making the claim
However, in another twist, the Finland-based agitator denied being the originator of the statement.
He said this while commenting on Okonjo-Iweala’s comment on X, wherein he accused the former minister of defending the Nigerian government.
“Dear Madam @NOIweala, 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.
“Here you are, defending what nonentities did with your name, but have been mute about all the killings by the government you served.
“I congratulate you for always defending yourself and your integrity, even when they are photoshopped. It shows you are really a mother. Thank you for defending yourself but I never tweeted such a thing, it is false and fake,” Ekpa wrote.
