Joe Johnson
A leading Diaspora Movement of Nigerians, the All Nigerian Nationals in the Diaspora, ANNID, has called on the African Development Bank (AfFB) to approach the push by the United States of America, USA,to probe its Chief Executive, Akinwumi Adesina accused by whistleblowers of ethics breaches with caution and in conformity with established due process of the financial institution.
Speaking through its global chairman emeritus, Dr. Peter Mozie, the group said that media reports on the issue has been confusing and should therefore be handled with care so as not to rubbish the integrity and good name the bank chief has built for himself over the years.
“We have known the former Minister of Agriculture in Nigeria to be a prudent, intelligent and honest man. A man of exceptional character who served his country meritoriously before he was found capable enough to lead the continents’ apex bank, the AfDB.
It is most ridiculous that a man adjudged by scholars as a personable gentleman, honest, articulate and incredibly intelligent can be accused of ethics breaches because some bitter rivals are envious of his achievements so far with the bank”, he said.
The group urged African leaders, especially the Nigerian government and other Diaspora groups to rise up and support the AfDB Chief from being ridiculed out of office.
“But for the great job Adesina is doing at the bank, the bank would not have been rated a Triple A by credit rating agencies. The world needs such an indefatigable and excellent administrator to progress”.
The embattled AfDB President is the first Nigerian to preside over AfDB, which is one of the world’s five largest multilateral development banks.