Buhari Meets Embattled Akinwumi Adesina Amid AfDB Crisis

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday hosted president of African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, at the presidential villa, Abuja.

The meeting is coming on the heels of nepotism and malfeasance allegations levelled against Adesina at the Abidjan-based financial institution.

Some whistleblowers in the organisation had written a petition against him alleging impropriety.

But Adesina was exoneratef by the bank’s ethics committee after investigating the accusations.

Dissatisfied by the outcome of the investigation, the United States Department of Treasury has called for an independent and external investigation of the allegations.

This development has drawn the ire of some African leaders, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, who accused the US of undue interference.

AfDB, a regional multilateral institution, is owned by African countries but the US is a major investor.

Nigerian and other African leaders have since drummed support for Adesina, who is about to complete his five-year-tenure but has indicated interest in another term.

Afolabi Hakim

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