President Mohammadu Buhari has congratulated the President of the African
Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, on the clearing of all
allegations against him by an anonymous group, and further validation of his
competence and integrity to lead the institution.
Buhari’s message, which was signed by his Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) Mr Femi Adesina, also congratulated the members of the board of the AfDB.
The statement read:
“President Muhammadu Buhari
warmly rejoices with President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr
Akinwunmi Adesina, on the clearing of all allegations against him by an
anonymous group, and further validation of his competence and integrity to lead
the institution.
President Buhari congratulates AfDB Board of Directors, the Ethics Committee
and members of staff for their courage, maturity and patience in following
through the process of investigations, and acceptance of Report of Panel of
High-Level Independent Experts, which reviewed the Report of Ethics Committee
of AfDB, and Dr Adesina’s response.
The President commends the eminent personalities, consisting of Mary Robinson,
Justice Hassan B. Jallow and Leonard F. McCarthy, who handled the review of the
report of the Ethics Committee, and their professionalism in rejecting support
services, and providing a unanimous report.
President Buhari believes the conclusion of the review should finally draw a
curtain on the allegations that created distractions for the entire institution
for a period, and serve as impetus for more diligence in handling
responsibilities, while fuelling the zeal to deliver on the promises of a
greater Africa.
The President urges Dr Adesina to remain steadfast, dedicated and resolute in
pursuing his noble goals for the institution, especially with the now expected
second term in office, assuring him of the prayers and support of Nigerians.
Recall that an independent panel of experts, headed by former
Irish president Mary Robinson, cleared the President of the African Development
Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, of corruption, according to a report
obtained by AFP.
Adesina, 60, a charismatic speaker known for his elegant suits and bow ties, became the first Nigerian to helm the AfDB in 2015 — but a 15-page report earlier this year claimed that under his watch the bank had been tarred by poor governance, impunity, personal enrichment and favouritism.
The panel of three experts, led by Robinson alongside Gambia’s Chief Justice Hassan Jallow and the World Bank’s integrity vice president Leonard McCarthy, cleared Adesina of all charges alleged by whistleblowers.
The African banking institution and Adesina — who is the sole candidate for the bank’s August’s presidential elections — has been battered by the rollercoaster of allegations after the whistleblowers’ complaints were leaked to the media in April.
The former Nigerian Agriculture minister had always stated he was “innocent” of the charges.