AfDB: Akinwunmi Hits Back At French Newspaper

Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank (AfDB), has hit back at a French newspaper, Le Monde over a publication against the bank.

Le Monde, in an article, had alleged that the bank lacks transparency and good governance.

Reacting to the claim through a press statement made available to ekohotblog.com, Akinwumi said that that he would not be distracted by lies and that he would continue to discharge his duties with professionalism.

The statement read: “An article in Le Monde has come to my attention. Following its publication, I have been overwhelmed by the tremendous show of support and solidarity I have continued to receive.

“The African Development Bank has a very high reputation of good governance. The Bank was rated as the 4th most transparent institution in the world by Publish What You Fund. I have strong confidence in the governance systems of the Bank put in place by the Board of Governors of the Bank.

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“The Ethics Committee of the Board of Directors is following its internal review systems and should be allowed to complete its review and work without interference from anyone or the media.

“I am 100% confident that due process and transparency, based on facts and evidence, will indicate that these are all nothing more than spurious and unfounded allegations.

“I would like all our highly dedicated Bank staff, shareholders and partners not to be moved or shaken by any of these blatantly false allegations.

“I will stay calm and resolute. I will not be distracted. No amount of lies can ever cover up the truth. Soon the truth will come out.

“I will continue to discharge my duties and responsibilities as President, with the highest level of professionalism, dedication and unshaken resolve, to lead and support the Bank’s bold mission for Africa’s accelerated development, and to help protect the continent at this time of the COVID19 pandemic.”

Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina

President, African Development Bank