Africa
RAILA Odinga, a famous Kenyan politician says recent developments at the African Development Bank (AfDB) are attempts to derail and disrupt the premier Pan-African institution.
Odinga, a former opposition leader from 2013 to 2018 in Kenya, said this in a statement issued on Friday.
He described the development as disturbing at a time that Africa and the world were addressing challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the United States Department of Treasury had called for an independent probe of corruption allegations levelled against Dr Akinwumi Adesina, AfDB president after being cleared by the bank’s ethics committee.
He explained that information available to them clearly pointed to some elements bent on circumventing governance and procedures that were clearly articulated and well tested by the bank.
The Kenyan opposition leader, however, said only a few individuals who were not satisfied by the Board’s findings and determination decided to pursue the issue outside the Bank’s processes and procedures by calling for an independent inquiry.
“We reject this attempt to operate outside the law and which if not checked can destabilise a well-functioning institution.
“Under the leadership of Adesina, the AfDB has made commendable strides and equally contributed to Africa’s quest for transformation and integration. The bank has been assessed and awarded a triple A, (“AAA”) by all major global rating institutions.
“We support those leaders in Africa and around the world who have spoken up in support of President Adesina’s leadership. We urge him to relentlessly pursue the goals set out in his vision.
“We further urge those who have misguided agendas to cease and desist.”
NAN reports that the bureau of the AfDB’s Boards of Governors had accpted the findings of the Ethics Committee but authorised for an independent review of the reports of the committee and submission of Adesina in order to carry every member of the bureau along.
NAN
– June 5, 2020 @ 11:50 GMT |
Tags: Developments in AfDB meant to disrupt premier Pan-African institution — Raila Odinga
