President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has declared his innocence over alleged “breaches of the Code of Conduct of Elected Officers of the Bank” leveled against him.
In a statement on Wednesday, Adesina described the allegations as “trumped-up” and expressed confidence in the processes and governance procedures of the bank.
“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 honour and integrity, as well as the reputation of the African Development Bank,” he said.
“I sincerely appreciate the support of the bank’s shareholders.”
Continuing, he said he was 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.”
Adesina said he will continue to work with all shareholders to ensure 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 founders to accelerate and transform Africa’s development.
This is the first time in months that Adesina would publicly comment on the case.
Adesina, a former minister of agriculture in Nigeria, is being accused of favouritism.
Although he was cleared after an investigation by the bank’s ethics committee, the United States is calling for an independent probe of the allegations.
In a letter signed by Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin, the US which is the second-largest shareholder in the multilateral institution after Nigeria, said it disagrees with the committee’s decision to exonerate Adesina.
“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 fulfil the mission of our founders to accelerate and transform Africa’s development.”
Adesina is the sole candidate, seeking reelection, in the bank’s election which is scheduled to hold in August.
