Yemisi Izuora
Some African leaders have kicked against call for inquest into African Development Bank, AfDB, code of ethics that was allegedly violated by its president Dr. Adewunmi Adesina.
From Nigeria, former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan; joined other 13 other African leaders on Friday in voicing their support for Adesina.
In a joint press statement, the African leaders rallied support for Adesina even as they insisted on compliance with the Bank’s governance system.
Signatories to the statement are: Olusegun Obasanjo (President of Nigeria; 1999-2007); Boni Yayi (President of Benin; 2006-2016); Hailemariam Desalegn (Prime Minister of Ethiopia; 2012 – 2018); John Kuffour (President of Ghana; 2001 – 2009); Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (President of Liberia; 2006 – 2018); Joyce Banda (President of Malawi; 2012 – 2014); Joaquim Chissano (President of Mozambique; 1986 – 2005); Tandja Mamadou (President of Niger; 1999 – 2010); Goodluck Jonathan (President of Nigeria; 2010-2015); Mohamed Marzouki (President of Tunisia; 2011 – 2014) and Benjamin Mkapa (President of Tanzania; 1995 – 2005).
Furthermore, the statement was endorsed by the following leaders: Ameenah Gurib-Fakin (President of Mauritius; 2015 – 2018); Rupiah Banda (President of Zambia; 2008 – 2011); Kgalema Motlanthe (President of South Africa; 2008-2009) and Jakaya Kikwete (President of Tanzania; 2005 – 2015).
Some whistle-blowers had recently alleged that Adesina had violated the Bank’s Code of Ethics.
However, he had since firmly and consistently declared his innocence of the allegations.
Subsequently, the United States had insisted on a further probe in spite of the fact that; Adesina had been exonerated by the Board of Directors of the Bank following an earlier probe.
However, the African leaders have vehemently opposed this.
They insist that the Bank had fully followed its rules, procedures and governing systems; which had served it well since it was established by African countries in 1964.
“The Ethics Committee of the Board of Directors, a legal oversight body of the Bank; made up of representatives of shareholders, cleared Dr. Adesina of all 16 allegations; declaring them as baseless and unsubstantiated and exonerated him completely. The Chairman of the Board of Governors, based on the report of the Ethics Committee, declared Dr. Adesina exonerated.
”Governance is all about respecting and abiding by rules, laws and established governing systems of organisations.
‘‘In the case of the AfDB, while differences may exist among parties; the best way to address them is to first respect the rules, procedures and governance structures of the Bank. To do otherwise will be tantamount to undermining the Bank and its long and hard earned reputation, and that of its President.’’
Further, the leaders cautioned that the continent should not allow itself to be distracted; particularly when it is battling with the coronavirus pandemic.
The ex-presidents, who took time to roll out the achievements of the AFDB; noted that the bank had performed remarkably well under the leadership of Adesina.
“The Bank is a pride for all of Africa and its President, Dr. Adesina, has taken it to enviable heights. At this critical time that Africa is battling with COVID-19, the Bank and its President should not be distracted.”