Mexican Jesus contends with Okonjo Iweala for WTO DG’s seat

Ranmilowo Ojalumo
The chance of Nigeria former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to become the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Monday faced a major hurdle when Mexico nominated Jesus Seade Kuri for the same position.
Recalled Egypt had earlier opposed the nomination of Iweala for WTO DG seat.
Nigeria President, Muhammadu Buhari, it would be recalled, nominated Okonjo-Iweala for the position last week and many people applauded the move, saying Iweala is suitable for the position, but Mexico has also presented a high profile candidate for the position.

WTO made the disclosure in its official website on Monday June 8, 2020.
“Mexico, on 8 June 2020, nominated Mr Jesús Seade Kuri for the post of WTO Director-General to succeed the current Director-General, Mr. Roberto Azevêdo, who has announced he will step down on 31 August 2020”, WTO said.
According to the timetable announced by the Chair of the General Council, David Walker, the nomination period will close on 8 July 2020. After the nomination period has closed, candidates will be invited to meet with members at a special General Council meeting, present their views and take questions from the membership.
The Mexico Jesus has unique experience in global trade negotiations and policies. He has also worked with the WTO, World Bank as well as the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

A thorough look at the Mexican Jesus profile shows that he posed a big threat to Okonjo-Iweala’s chance of clinching the WTO DG seat.
Meanwhile, Okonjo-Iweala as a matter of fact, also has a high profile that can earn her the seat. Okonjo-Iweala is a Nigerian-born economist and international development expert.
She was Managing Director of the World Bank Group from December 1, 2007 until August 2011. She sits on the Boards of Standard Chartered Bank, Twitter, Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, and the African Risk Capacity
However, the nominees’ profile alone is not likely to do the magic as the world politics also remains a big factor to determine who will eventually succeed the current Director-General, Mr Roberto Azevêdo, who has announced he will step down on 31 August 2020