Adesina scores 2nd term as AfDB president

Akinwumi Adesina has been re-elected as president of the African Development Bank for a second five-year term by the Board of Governors of the Bank at the ongoing AfDB’s virtual annual meeting in Abidjan on Thursday.

This is confirmed in a congratulatory tweet by Lauretta Onochie, the Personal Assistant on Social Media to President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Our very own Akinwumi Akin Adesina has been reaffirmed as the President of the African Development Bank.

“Thank you to our supportive President @MBuhari who mobilized support for our own Adesina and why not! Adesina has been proven to be above boards.”

FLASH!
Our very own Akinwumi Akin Adesina has been reaffirmed as the President of the African Development Bank.

Thank you toO to our supportive President @MBuhari who mobilised support for our own Adesina and why not! Adesina has been proven to be above board
Congratulations? pic.twitter.com/QFde2pJSXV

— Lauretta Onochie (@Laurestar) August 27, 2020

A strong sense of duty and commitment

Daily Trust had reported that Akinwumi Adesina, has formally presented himself for re-election as the continent’s main financial institution’s topmost official for the second term of five years.

Adesina, who told the AfDB’s governors of his intention to stand as a candidate for the topmost position during the bank’s 55th Annual Meetings opening ceremony held virtually on Wednesday, said he was seeking re-election with a strong sense of duty, commitment and a call to serve Africa and the bank, selflessly.

Controversy behind his re-election

Adesina’s re-election was mired in controversy after he was charged with alleged ethical violations.

An Independent Review Panel set up by AfDB Bureau of Governors following a complaint by the United States exonerated Adesina, of any ethical wrongdoings.

However, after repeated investigations, Adesina was cleared of all charges levelled against him, paving the way for his re-election.

Adesina is the first Nigerian to hold the post of the bank’s President.

The AfDB, founded in 1964, is geared towards spurring “sustainable economic development and social progress” among member African countries.