President Muhammadu Buhari, former Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Parliament, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu and Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila have congratulated President of the African Development Bank, (AfDB) Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, on his re-election.
Adesina was re-elected for a second term of five years at a virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the bank on Thursday.
In separate reactions, the trio described Adesina’s re-election as well deserved.
A statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, extended his appreciation to the African Union for its endorsement of Adesina, and to shareholders of the bank who worked tirelessly to ensure his return.
He noted that Adesina’s versatility as well as experience at both national and international engagements, will be further deployed to energize the financial institution.
The President urged Adesina to remain focused and steadfast in pursuing the noble goals of making life better for Africans through various development plans, already captured as High 5s.
In his own remarks, Sen. Ekweremadu, a former Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate described Adesina’s re-election as “a landmark victory, not only for Nigeria, but also for Africa as a whole”.
Ekweremadu in statement signed by his Media Adviser, Uche Anichukwu in Abuja said: “After rain comes sunshine and I congratulate you on your re-election, which is both vindication for your character and competence and a well-deserved reward for all the successes and spectacular progress the African Development Bank has made under your leadership.
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“You have proven yourself a true son of Africa, unapologetically and unrepentantly committed to the socio-economic emancipation of the continent and it is my hope that you will lead the Bank to surpass the successes of your first tenure.
“I must also commend President Muhammadu Buhari and the people of Nigeria for the leadership and solidarity shown in your matter.
“Importantly, there is one big lesson from the entire episode: When we speak with one voice, the world listens.”
On his own part, Gbajabiamila described Adesina’s victory as a triumph of integrity and dedication to duty.
He said that the re-election has provided Adesina with another opportunity to consolidate and sustain AfDB as a global financial force and to push African development agenda.
“Your clearance by the Independent Review Panel and Ethics Committee of the bank as well as the bank’s Bureau of Governors’ Independent Review Panel was an affirmation of your integrity, dedication to duty and diligence.
“Your return for a second term without opposition also attests to the confidence the continent and its partners have in your leadership qualities,” he said in a statement.
