Okonjo-Iweala Denies Authoring Viral Post Attacking Tinubu, Warns Against Fake News

Key Facts

WTO DG Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has disowned a viral post attacking President Tinubu.
The post accused the Nigerian government of failing to address insecurity.
Okonjo-Iweala warned Nigerians against fake news and impersonation on social media.

The current Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has publicly disowned a viral social media post that criticized President Bola Tinubu over Nigeria’s growing insecurity challenges.

In a statement released through her verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, Okonjo-Iweala clarified that she never authored or endorsed any message attacking the Tinubu administration, describing the circulating post as “fake and malicious.”

“I am aware of a viral post falsely attributed to me, criticizing the Nigerian government’s handling of security matters. I want to make it clear that I did not make any such comment,” she stated.

The former Nigerian finance minister noted that she had become the target of impersonators who frequently use her name and image to spread misinformation online. “These fabrications are damaging, not only to my reputation but also to the credibility of public discourse,” she added.

The Viral Post

The fake message, which surfaced over the weekend, alleged that Okonjo-Iweala accused President Tinubu’s government of “failing to protect lives and properties despite countless promises.” It quickly gained traction across Facebook, X, and WhatsApp, with thousands of shares before it was flagged as false by fact-checkers.

Many Nigerians who read the post assumed it was genuine, given Okonjo-Iweala’s global standing and her previous work as Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister for the Economy. The post’s author used her official portrait and writing style to make the content appear authentic, a common tactic among political misinformation networks.

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Warning Against Fake News

Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the need for Nigerians to verify information before sharing it online. She warned that fake news has the potential to fuel division and undermine public trust in institutions.

“We live in an age where misinformation spreads quicker than facts. I urge everyone to confirm any statement attributed to me through my verified social media pages or the official WTO channels,” she said.

Her statement comes amid rising concerns over the weaponization of social media in Nigeria’s political environment. With elections behind and governance challenges ahead, public figures are increasingly being targeted through false narratives to sway public opinion or discredit the government.

Government’s Reaction

The Nigerian presidency has yet to issue an official comment on the fake post. However, several government supporters online thanked Okonjo-Iweala for clarifying the situation, describing her statement as “timely and professional.”

Political analysts say the incident highlights the growing danger of digital misinformation in Africa, where fake news is often used to manipulate perceptions about government performance.

“It’s not just about one fake post,” said media analyst Musa Lawal. “It’s about how easily influential names can be misused to create confusion. This case shows how vulnerable even respected figures are in the digital age.”

Global Context

As head of the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala remains one of Africa’s most respected international voices. Her leadership in global trade reform and economic inclusion has earned her credibility far beyond Nigeria’s borders.

Analysts believe her quick clarification will prevent diplomatic misunderstandings, especially as Nigeria continues to play a major role in African economic policy.

The WTO DG concluded her message by urging responsible journalism and online ethics, noting that the world is “too connected to tolerate the spread of falsehoods.”