Olushola Odeyinde
Nigerians on Twitter have reacted to the corruption allegations levelled against the African Development Bank President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina by the United States, saying the federal government should come out in support of Adesina.
The PUNCH reports that the United States Department of Treasury had demanded an independent probe of allegations levelled against Adesina on corruption despite being cleared by the bank’s ethics committee.
Some whistleblowers in the bank had alleged embezzlement and favouritism under Adesina, who is bidding for a second five-year term as the AfDB boss.
Adesina, in a statement he personally signed and issued on Wednesday, said the allegation was to tarnish his reputation.
However, some Nigerians took to Twitter, to express their concerns on the matter:
See Tweets Below:
The AfDB crisis calls again for reflection on Africa’s mgt. of its own affairs. That the USA & 6 of its foreign allies own 40% of AfDB is a pointer to Africa’s inability to develop itself. Now one of its finest sons is being ridiculed to advance US’s political gains. It’s tragic. pic.twitter.com/srs4nm0CCv
— Ayò Bánkólé (@AyoBankole) May 27, 2020
If America removes Adesina, we should remove all our investment from AFDB. Pass it on
— Daddy D.O?? (@DOlusegun) May 28, 2020
Global geopolitics is brutal. Continental blocks & Countries act in self interest always, for immediate or future benefit. Losing the AfDB Presidency will deal a blow to what’s left of Nigeria’s global standing. FGN must act to protect Adesina’s candidacy. @ProfOsinbajo @MBuhari
— Frank Nweke II, (@FrankNwekeII) May 27, 2020
Non-African countries like the US, UK, Japan, Germany, France and a few others have shares or equity in AFDB. I hope Nigeria, President Buhari and other African countries and leaders will assert themselves and not be bullied.
Related News — Dr. Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) May 28, 2020
US calling the shots and influencing the affairs of African Development Bank (AfDB) points to the urgency of economic independence for Africa.
You can’t tell me otherwise.
Young Africans must make it a generational mission to build capital and development base for Africa.
— Chimezie Anajama ?? (@MsChimezie) May 27, 2020
What is going on with Akin Adesina and the AfDB has international politics written over it. France and US are in one camp (I told you that French and American policy in Africa are often indistinguishable).
Anyway, the Americans have adopted France’s candidate for the job.
— Onye Nkuzi (@cchukudebelu) May 26, 2020
I hope Nigerian government is aware that this widespread media propaganda isn’t about Adesina’s ethical standing. This is an obvious ploy to undermine Nigeria, and impose a US-backed candidate on AfDB. https://t.co/VH7OA3SxZY
— Gimba Kakanda (@gimbakakanda) May 27, 2020
They are scared AfDB will rise so much that Africa will not need IMF or world bank. So they start by making the leadership look bad. Africa, WAKE UP!!! IMF is not heaven, they also have skeletons littered everywhere.
— Mano (@ManoFahm) May 25, 2020