Adesina is innocent, allegations against him are baseless- FG writes to AfDB

The Federal Government of Nigeria has now weighed in on the controversies surrounding African Development Bank's President, Akinwumi Adesina who was accused of breaching the bank’s code of ethics.

In a letter by Nigeria's Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed to Chairman of the Board of Governors of the AfDB, Kaba Niale, the Minister said every allegation against Adesina was unsubstantiated and baseless.

Even though Ahmed acknowledged their move, she said everyone was waiting with bated breath over the outcome of the bank's investigative report. Making a case for the embattled President, she said whatever allegations made against him were just hearsay.

"The committee also called on the whistleblowers to submit any additional evidence, facts and documents to buttress their allegations but they did not," Ahmed's statement read in part.

The Minister said the call for the Adesina's independent investigation is outside of the laid down rules, procedures and governing system of the Bank and its articles as it relates to the Code of Conduct on Ethics for the President. She tasked Niale to uphold the rule of law and let Adesina go on with his re-election as planned.

Ahmed went on to list Adesina's achievements as AfDB President which included securing a general capital increase of $115bn, a $10bn crisis response for Africa against COVID-19 and the launch of the $3bn "Fight COVID19" social bond.

Nigeria’s @Akin_Adesina; Honorable Minister of Finance, Mrs. @ZShamsuna writes to @AfDB_Group Board. pic.twitter.com/QwxEtzi9Qi

— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) May 28, 2020

Bashir Ahmad threw in support for the President as well.

Akin Adesina ????????????????

— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) May 28, 2020

Recall that Adesina has been accused of breaching the bank’s code of ethics.

The allegations include various cases of alleged breaches of the code of conduct, unethical conduct, private gain, an impediment to efficiency, preferential treatment, and involvement in political activity, all affecting confidence in the integrity of the bank, according to U.S Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin.

In a recent report, the bank denied reports that Akinwumi Adesina, President of the bank has been asked to resign.