- Opts for Independent Review of process that cleared AfDB President
- Stands by decisions of Ethics Committee
- Adesina’s 2nd term bid now assured
The Bureau of the Board of Governors of the African Development Bank rose from its meeting held on Thursday, ruling out the constitution of an Independent Investigation of the President of the bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, as demanded by the government of the United States of America.
Saying that such investigation is not required, the chairman of the bank’s Board of Governors and Finance Minister of Cote d’Ivoire, Ms Niale Kaba, said in a statement dated Thursday 04 June 2020 that the board stands by the decision of the Ethics Committee in favour of Dr Adesina.
The communique said that instead of an Independent Investigations, an independent reviewer will take a look at the process by which the Ethics Committee reached its determination on the issues as it affects Dr Adesina.
The full communique reads:, “The Bureau reiterates that it agrees that the Ethics Committee of the Boards of Directors performed its role on this matter in accordance with the applicable rule under Resolution B/BG/2008/1 1 of the Board of Governors.
“The Bureau also reiterates that the Chairperson of the Bureau of the Board of Governors performed her role in accepting the findings of the Ethics Committee in accordance with the said Resolution.
“However, based on the views of some Governors on the matter and the need to carry every Governor along in resolving it, the Bureau agrees to authorize an Independent Review of the Report of the Ethics Committee of the Boards of Directors relative to the allegations considered by the Ethics Committee and the submissions made by the President of the Bank Group thereto in the interest of due process.
“The Independent Review shall be conducted by a neutral high caliber individual with unquestionable experience, high international reputation and integrity within a short-time period of not more than two to four weeks maximum, taking the Bank Group’s electoral calendar into account.
“The Bureau agrees that, within a three to six month period and following the independent review of the Ethics Committee Report, an independent comprehensive review of the implementation of the Bank Group’s Whistle-Blowing and Complaints Handling Policy should be conducted with a view to ensuring that the Policy is properly implemented, and revising it where necessary, to avoid situations of this nature in the future.”