PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, on behalf of Nigerians, has felicitated with the President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, on his re-election for a second term in office.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, President Buhari said the victory came during the Council of State meeting, which was attended by former heads of state, Senate President, governors, some ministers, and senior government officials.
The statement said, “As Secretary to Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, announced the good news, President Buhari led a round of applause, and declared: ‘He deserves it.’
“The President extends appreciation to the African Union for its endorsement of the AfDB President much earlier, and to shareholders of the bank who worked tirelessly to ensure the return of the visionary leader.”
The Peoples Democratic Party also congratulated the former Minister of Agriculture, saying the re-election was well deserved.
The PDP, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said Adesina had displayed competence and commitment in uplifting and promoting the bank’s operations since 2015, when he was first elected as President of the bank.
The party said, “Dr. Adesina has attracted praises in bringing his deep knowledge in economic development to bear on the bank’s primary functions of making loans and equity investments for the socio-economic advancement of Regional Member Countries.
“The PDP commends Adesina for improving on the the bank’s key role of providing technical assistance for development projects and programs as well as promoting investment of public and private capital for development.”
The opposition party noted that Adesina had remained a good ambassador of Nigeria in his display of high level of discipline, professionalism and utmost diligence in the discharge of his duties at the AfDB.
On its part, the African Democratic Congress said the AfDB President had displayed a critical element of the ADC DNA – integrity – in the line of duty.
This, the party said, was the reason he was able to surmount the challenges associated with the weighty allegations against him by whistleblowers.
The party, in a statement on Thursday, noted that his clearance by the Board of Governors of the Bank and an independent panel showed that he performed his duty in line with due process and with uncommon integrity.
“Nigerian leaders should always note, wherever they are, that they are ambassadors of this great country. We celebrate Dr. Adesina’s re-election today and use this as a point of reference for aspiring leaders, including those currently in positions of authority,” ADC said.
