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Prominent Nigerians are beginning to weigh in on the call by the United States Treasury for an independent investigation into allegations against the president of the African Development Bank (AFDB), Akinwunmi Adesina.
Adesina was accused of giving contracts to acquaintances, appointing relatives and friends to strategic positions, and giving preferential treatment to Nigeria and Nigerians.
The AfDB ethics committee however cleared him of such allegations of favouritism which was made by some whistleblowers.
Despite being cleared, the US Treasury called for another independent investigation into the allegations against the bank’s President.
But reacting, former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, in a letter addressed to former presidents of some African countries, faulted the US Treasury’s call, describing the allegations as part of an attempt by some non-regional member countries of the bank to frustrate Adesina’s reelection for a second term.
Obasanjo said the call for an independent investigation was not in line with laid-down procedures, noting that the ethics committee and the chair of the board acted in accordance with the laid-down procedures in dismissing the allegations.
He accused the US of disparaging the bank and ridiculing its entire governance system, which had been in place since 1964 and therefore urged the African leaders to rise up and defend the bank.
“If we do not rise up and defend the AfDB Group, this might mean the end of the bank, as its governance will be hijacked away from Africa,” said Obasanjo.
The former president’s position was however in tune with the Federal Government who also 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.
In a letter addressed to Kaba Niale, chairperson of AFDB board of governors on Thursday, finance minister, Zainab Ahmed noted, “as a board of governors, we must uphold the rule of law and respect the governance systems of the bank. If there are any governance issues that need improvement, these can be considered and amendments proposed for adoption in line with laid down procedures”.
Ahmed urged that the office be allowed to do its work and “let the process of examining this case to take its course”.
On his part, the former emir of Kano, Sanusi Muhammadu said the finance minister’s letter says it all, adding that he was also pleased with former president Obasanjo’s reaction to the issue.
“Every well-meaning African or friend of Africa should speak up on this matter,” he told The Cable.
“It is a simple adherence to global best practices in governance. AfDB has clearly defined rules and processes for investigating and dealing with allegations of misconduct. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
“Since those processes were duly followed it is unheard of for the rules to be changed because someone does not like the outcome.”
The former emir said the support being shown for Adesina should not be viewed as “defending a Nigerian or a friend”.
“I have watched him at AfDB and his stellar performance is there for all to see. This is not about defending a Nigerian or a friend,” he continued.
“It is about standing up for what is right, for justice and for principle. Africa and its friends must stand up at this point.
“My hope is that everyone will see reason and respect the rules. As the minister has said if you don’t like the rules change them but not retroactively.”
