Nigeria’s Akinwunmi Adesina was this morning affirmed as the president of the African Development Bank for another term by the board of governors of African Development Bank.
Adesina, the first Nigerian to hold the position, was the only candidate in the election. He was first elected in May 2015.
Before his reelection Adesina made a passionate speech to the board on why he should be reelected. He said:“At this Annual Meetings, I offer myself to you, our Governors, for your consideration for election for a second term, as President,” Adesina told the governors on the first day of the AfDB’s annual general meetings on Wednesday.
“I do so, with humility. I do so with a strong sense of duty and commitment and a call to serve Africa and our Bank, selflessly, to the very best of my God-given abilities.”
With these positive results, President Adesina asked the Board of Governors to renew their trust in him for the next five years. “Dear Governors, these Annual Meetings are my opportunity to offer you my services and seek a second term as President of the African Development Bank. I do so with humility. I do so with an acute sense of duty and commitment. I do so to serve Africa and our Bank,” he stated.
Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara, who witnessed Adesina’s election in 2015, welcomed the fact that his country was once again presiding over the electoral process. He called on the Bank’s Governors, headed by Ivorian Minister of Planning for Planning and Development Kaba Nialé, to respect the articles governing the institution, before addressing a message to the candidate.
Ouattara wished Adesina well and said he hoped that his re-election bid was successful. Adesina is the sole candidate in the running.
His chances of returning were almost scuppered a few months ago when the United States authorities insisted that he must be investigated for corruption claims made by a whistleblower.
The former Nigerian agriculture minister denied any wrongdoing. He was also cleared of all allegations on multiple occasions.
