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Akinwumi Adesina’s Graceful song at 36
BY KAZIE UKO
These are indeed good times for African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Akinwumi Adesina, notwithstanding the damper on global bubble by the invincible COVID-19.
Only yesterday, July 28, the American-weaved noose around his neck was finally, hopefully, untied with the exciting news that an independent review panel set up by AfDB to further scrutinise his activities as the Chief Executive Officer of Africa’s foremost multilateral lender, has given him all clear.
Adesina’s prim and proper image had come under the microscope following allegations of wrongdoing by some whistle-blowers. He was accused, among other things, of importing nepotism, a worse-than-coronavirus disease popular in Nigerian politics, to AfDB.
He was alleged to have dispensed favours and given contracts to his Nigerian countrymen without due consideration that the United States of America is the biggest (international) contributor to the money used in setting up the bank. The fact that US is second to Nigeria, the biggest stakeholder in AfDB, notwithstanding.
This was one battle Adesina, a former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture, must survive, not just because he needed to remain spotless without a blemished career but because his mind was set for an encore, another term of five years in AfDB as the Chief Executive. For him, it was no brainer dropping the baton in a race he has become the solo runner.
Adesina’s not guilty verdict by the independent panel would not have come at a more auspicious time, and he owes it all to Grace. The grace of God undoubtedly is sufficient for him and he needs more of it to go the whole hug at the AfDB. He realises it and makes no pretence about it.
So, barely 24 hours after the good news rented the air, the debonair agricultural economist and son of a Nigerian farmer, from Oyo State, mounted the rostrum as he declared on Twitter: “Today my darling wife and I celebrate our 36th wedding anniversary.
“Marrying my wife, Grace (Yemisi) is the best decision I made in my life.
“I would not be who I am today without her. I love you my sweetheart. I will marry you 36 years over. You are the best!”
READ: African Development Bank: Panel finds no guilt against Akinwumi Adesina