Sanusi Speaks On Moves Against Adesina, Says AfDB Rules Must Be Respected

Muhammadu Sanusi II, the former emir of Kano, has urged Africans and friends of the continent to stand up to ensure that laid-down rules are respected in the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group.

Sanusi made the comment following calls by the US government for an independent investigation after the bank’s ethics committee had absolved Adesina of whistleblower allegations of favouritism.

“The excellent letter written by the finance minister says it all and I am pleased that President Obasanjo has weighed in on the matter. Every well-meaning African or friend of Africa should speak up on this matter,” he said.

“It is a simple adherence to global best practices in governance. AfDB has clearly defined rules and processes for investigating and dealing with allegations of misconduct. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

“Since those processes were duly followed it is unheard of for the rules to be changed because someone does not like the outcome.”

Sanusi, who is a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said the support being shown for Adesina should not be viewed as “defending a Nigerian or a friend”.

“I have watched him at AfDB and his stellar performance is there for all to see. This is not about defending a Nigerian or a friend,” he continued.

“It is about standing up for what is right, for justice and for principle. Africa and its friends must stand up at this point.

“My hope is that everyone will see reason and respect the rules. As the minister has said if you don’t like the rules change them but not retroactively.”

In separate statements on Thursday, Zainab Ahmed, the minister of finance, budget and national planning, urged that the AfDB’s governance system be allowed to play out.

“The call for an independent investigation of the president is outside of the laid down rules, procedures and governing system of the bank and its articles as it relates to the code of conduct on ethics for the president,” Ahmed wrote in a letter to Kaba Niale, chairperson of AfDB board of governors.

“As a board of governors, we must uphold the rule of law and respect the governance systems of the bank. If there are any governance issues that need improvement, these can be considered and amendments proposed for adoption in line with laid down procedures”.

In a statement on Thursday, Niale urged that the office be allowed to do its work and “let the process of examining this case to take its course”.