‘He deserves it,’ Buhari applauds Akinwumi Adesina on reappointment as AfDB President

*Adesina’s versatility, experience at both national and international engagements, will be further deployed to energise the pan-African financial institution, says President Muhammadu Buhari

*We made history and got returned to office by 100 percent votes; it is a call for selfless service: AfDB President

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

For his steadfastness and honesty of purpose, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) on his reappointment for another term of five years by 100 percent votes by the stakeholders.

ConsumerConnect reports Adesina was unanimously returned as the President of the lending institution earlier Thursday, August 27 during the Bank’s 55th Annual Meetings, held virtually because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Mr. Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, in a statement said news of the victory came during the Council of State meeting, which was attended by former Heads of State, Senate President, governors, some Ministers, and senior government officials in Abuja, FCT.

President Buhari said “he deserves it,” while leading a round of applause, after Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), had announced the AfDB President’s re-appointment to the Council.

The Presidency’s statement said: “The President extends appreciation to the African Union for its endorsement of the AfDB President much earlier, and to shareholders of the Bank who worked tirelessly to ensure the return of the visionary leader.

“President Buhari believes Dr. Adesina’s versatility, experience at both national and international engagements, will be further deployed to energise the pan-African financial institution, urging him to remain focused and steadfast in pursuing the noble goals of making life better for Africans through various development plans, already captured as High 5s.”

The President rejoices with family, friends and professional colleagues of Dr .Adesina over the re-election, while commending members of staff and Board of Governors of the AfDB for their consistent support for the former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and his Management team, said the statement.

It added: “While pledging full support of his government to ensure a successful tenure for the AfDB leadership, President Buhari prays that the Almighty God will continue to strengthen Dr Adesina and his team for greater good to the continent.”

Recall that Adesina’s re-election was mired in controversy after he was charged with alleged ethical violations earlier in the year.

However, despite the controversy at the time, President Buhari endorsed Adesina while assuring him of the country’s support.

Following repeated investigations, Adesina, a former Minister for Agriculture in Nigeria was eventually cleared of all charges preferred against him, thereby paving the way for his reappointment.

While thanking the AfDB Governors of 81 member countries, shareholders, and members of staff for their collective trust, confidence and support earlier, Adesina described his re-election as the President of African Development Bank as historic and another call for selfless service to Africa.

He spoke of his reappointment at the closing session of the 55th Annual Meetings of the Bank which held virtually Thursday.

Adesina said: “Of course, right now, the sound that is the loudest in my ears is the announcement of my re-election as President of the African Development Bank for a second term.”

“We also made history by re-electing me by 100 percent votes.

“I became the first President of the Bank in its history to be re-elected by 100 percent votes of all its shareholders.

“I am most grateful and very appreciative.”

According to the AfDB President, the re-election is important and has shown the transparency of the Bank and the demonstrated weight of support behind his vision.

“It shows a very clear and strong mandate from all shareholders to go and implement the vision.

“It shows that all voices were heard, it shows that we are true to the constitutive test of our bank,” he declared.

He stated that AfDB has shown its high level of standards and commitment to transparency and good governance.

He said: “It is yet another call; a call for selfless service to Africa and the African Development Bank.”

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