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Thu, Mar

Embattled AFDB President: Nigeria Have Your Back, Buhari Assures Adesina

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President Muhammadu Buhari has yesterday assured the embattled president of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in his quest for his re-election to occupy the office, saying “Nigeria is solidly behind you”. Buhari gave the assurance when he hosted Mr Adesina at the statehouse Abuja who was on a courtesy visit. Mr President reiterated his stance to Adesina that Nigeria in collaboration with other African leaders would rally round him to ensure he actualises to ambition especially that his past record is anything to go by.

He said, in 2015, when you were about to be elected for the first term, ‘I wrote to all African leaders recommending you for the position. ‘i did not mind you were the Peoples Democratic party Minister, and I belong to the All progressive Congress and so I did not withhold my support, and now cannot be different.

Buhari continued, “I will remain consistent with you because no one has kicked against my decision over you for Nigerians.”

Although most African leaders have endorsed Adesina as the continental candidate for the position,  however, some stakeholders are trying to sabotage him through calling for his re-investigation after he was given a clean bill.

Meanwhile, Adesina revealed that all the 16 allegations levelled against him are baseless with no evidence or proof to back up the claim as required by the rules and regulations establishing the bank.

He disclosed that he was given a clean bill by the ethics committee of the bank after founding him not wanting in the concluded investigation, however, he does not know where the united states are driving their ground for the reinvestigation against him.

The former Agric Minister revealed, “My defence ran into 250 pages, and not a single line was faulted or questioned. 

“The law says that report of the Ethics Committee should be transmitted to the Chairman of Governors of the bank. “It was done, and the governors upheld the recommendations.

“That was the end of the matter, according to the rules. 

“It was only if I was culpable that a fresh investigation could be launched.

“I was exonerated, and any other investigation would amount to bending the rules of the bank, to arrive at a predetermined conclusion,” Adesina said.

Adesina said though he understood the whole idea was to taint his image black and that of the bank; meanwhile, he thanked Buhari for his unhindered support to see him make it to that office.

‘You helped me elected in the first place, and you never lost hope in me and the African leaders unanimously for my re-election, he declared.

Adesina who condone with President Buhari for the demise of his chief of staff, Abba Kyari,  and described the present chief of staff, Professor Gambari as a man of impeccable character.

Meanwhile, the House of Reps had yesterday halted any further investigation and demanded that let the rule of law have its way.

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