Donald Trump, Okonjo - Iweala and world Trade Organization

As a teacher, I am aware Nigeria, jettisoned British Grammar School system for American type Education. I

am writing this to show Nigeria's respect for the US.

However, events of the recent past have somehow cast our relations with the US in a bad light.

First the US fought hard though unsuccesfully, to stop Akinwunmi Adeshina from emerging President of the AFDB for a second term and now they are opposing Ngozi Okonjo - Iweala as Director General of the World Trade Organization.

While I may not know why the US did not want Adeshina to head AFDB, the issue of WTO is clearer. It has to do with American interest vis - a  - vis China on the one hand and American interest vis  - a - vis  Japan and South Korea on the other hand.

The issues involved may well be beyond Donald Trump's election such that win or lose, America's position may not differ as in the event of a Republican loss, Trump still remains in charge even in January 2021, while the vote could be in November, 2020.

While Okonjo - Iweala holds a dual Nigerian and US citizenship, the truth is that she is Nigeria's candidate and not America's candidate.

It is like asking a northerner to support a fellow northerner even if they belong to different parties. In politics it is believed that there are no permanent friends but permanent interests.

China is fast eroding America's influence in world trade and a South Korean would serve America's interest better than a Nigerian enjoying the support of China and Japan.

Interestingly, this is the first time a woman would lead the body. It is also the first time an African will lead the body. Not done yet, it may also be the first time, a vote will be taken to determine who leads the WTO.

Already horse trading has begun to smoothen things. The first attempt is for South Korea to withdraw the candidacy of Hoo  Myung -hee  their Candidate and first female trade Minister, which they refused.

Should a vote be taken, it would be the first time, such a thing would happen, however, it would not be recorded as a precedent.

There lies the challenge before the US. And the challenge is quite huge as other delegates from important blocs are unhappy with the US, accusing her of bullying.