Yemisi Izuora
The Bureau of the Board of Governors of African Development Bank (AfDB), on Thursday, June 4; foreclosed the possibility of reopening the probe of the bank’s President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina.
The AfDB revealed that an independent investigation was not required as demanded by the United States of America, as it upheld the decision of the Ethics Committee; in favour of Akinwumi Adesina.
In a bid to ensure transparency; an independent reviewer will also take a look at the process by which the Ethics Committee reached its determination on Adesina’s behalf.
The secretariat concluded that the Board of Governors had fully fulfilled its obligations in accepting the findings of the Ethics Committee; in accordance with the said Resolution.
This recent disclosure was contained in a communique signed by Chairperson of the Bureau of Government; Ms Niale Kaba.
Kaba stated, “The Bureau agrees to authorise an Independent Review of the Report of the Ethics Committee of the Boards of Directors; relative to the allegations considered by the Ethics Committee and the submissions made by the President of the Bank Group; thereto in the interest of due process.
“The Independent Review shall be conducted by a neutral high calibre individual with unquestionable experience; a high international reputation, and integrity; within a short time period of not more than two to four weeks maximum; taking the Bank Group’s electoral calendar into account.
“It also decided to embark on an independent comprehensive review of the implementation of the Bank Group’s Whistle-Blowing; and Complaints Handling Policy should be conducted with a view to ensuring that the Policy is properly implemented, and revising it where necessary; to avoid situations of this nature in the future within a three to six month period; and following the independent review of the Ethics Committee Report.”