Anthony Iwuoma
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has denied reports that he had stepped down from his office as President of African Development Bank (AfDB).
The bank’s Board of Governors had earlier cleared him of all allegations of abuse of office levelled against him after its ethics committee looked into the matter.
However, the news first reported by Bloomberg of his alleged stepping down over the same allegations is false.
Adesina decried in a statement, “unprecedented attempts by some to tarnish my reputation and prejudice the Bank’s governance procedures”, insisting that “the bank’s institutional framework is solid and efficient and he stands by it.”
Continuing, the statement read: “In recent weeks and over the last few days especially, I have been overwhelmed by the tremendous support received from around the world. I have absolute confidence in the integrity of the Bank that I lead and its governance systems, rules and procedures.
“In spite of unprecedented attempts by some to tarnish my reputation and prejudice the Bank’s governance procedures, I maintain my innocence with regard to trumped up allegations that unjustly seek to impugn my honor and integrity, as well as the reputation of the African Development Bank.
“I sincerely appreciate the support of the Bank’s shareholders.
“At this time, I remain confident that ultimately and as one collective, the Bank will emerge stronger than before and continue to support Africa’s development drive. I draw great inspiration from my heroes, Nelson Mandela and Kofi Annan, whose lives have shown that through pain we grow. As Martin Luther King Jnr. once said, “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.
“I am confident that fair, transparent and just processes that respect the rules, procedures and governance systems of the Bank, and the rule of law, will ultimately prove that I have not violated the Code of Ethics of this extraordinary institution.
“I will, therefore, continue to work with each and every one of our shareholders to ensure that the African Development Bank maintains its hard earned global reputation; and that our credible and well-functioning institutional and governance systems are reinforced, as we collectively press on to fulfill the mission of our founder to accelerate and transform Africa’s development.”
So far, the AfDB Board of Governors is yet to concede to America’s demands for an independent probe of its president.
