A coalition of 15 former African presidents and a prime minister have publicly expressed their support for the President of African Development Bank (AfDB) Akinwumi Adesina, following calls for an independent investigation against him by the United States government.
Recall that the US Government through its Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, said it had reservations about the process that led the ethics committee on 5 May to reject the whistleblowers’ accusations against the bank President. He further called for an independent investigation of Adesina who was cleared of the allegation against him by AfDB’s ethics committee.
However reacting to this, the former African leaders stated that any conflict resolution processes outside laid down rules would undermine the reputation of the bank and its president.
The statement reads in part;
“Adesina, who some whistleblowers alleged to have violated the banks’ code of ethics, has firmly and consistently declared his innocence of these allegations.
“The ethics committee of the board of directors, a legal oversight body of the bank, made up of representatives of shareholders, cleared Dr Adesina of all 16 allegations, declaring them as baseless and unsubstantiated and exonerated him completely.
“Governance is all about respecting and abiding by rules, laws and established governing systems of organizations. In the case of the AfDB, while differences may exist among parties, the best way to address them is to first respect the rules, procedures and governance structures of the bank.
“The African Development Bank is a pride for all of Africa, and its president, Dr Adesina, has taken the bank to enviable heights. At this critical time that Africa is battling with COVID-19, the bank and its president should not be distracted.”
Adesina’s achievement as the President of the AfDB was also listed by the coalition of African leaders.
The statement added;
“The bank announced a $10 billion crisis response facility to support countries in Africa. The bank also successfully launched a $3 billion Fight COVID-19 social bond, the largest ever US dollar-denominated bond in world history”.
“Powered by his vision and leadership, the shareholders of the bank from 80 countries all approved a general capital increase of $115 billion for the bank, the largest in its history since establishment in 1964.
“The bank has been doing a lot for women, with a $3 billion fund to provide access to finance to women, supported by G7 countries and Africa.
“Across the continent, the bank’s presence and work have been highly visible and impactful. In less than five years, the bank’s High 5 agenda has impacted over 333 million people, from access to electricity, food security, access to finance via the private sector, improve transport, and access to water and sanitation.
“The bank has maintained its stellar AAA rating among all global rating agencies.”
Shareholders of the bank were also urged to work with mutual respect and honour the procedures of the bank.
“No nation, regardless of how powerful, has veto power over the African Development Bank, and no nation should have such power”.
The following former African leaders signed the statement;
- Olusegun Obasanjo (president of Nigeria; 1999-2007)
- Boni Yayi (president of Benin; 2006-2016)
- Hailemariam Desalegn (prime minister of Ethiopia; 2012 – 2018)
- John Kufour (president of Ghana; 2001 – 2009)
- Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (president of Liberia; 2006 – 2018)
- Joyce Banda (president of Malawi; 2012 – 2014)
- Joaquim Chissano (president of Mozambique; 1986 – 2005)
- Tandja Mamadou (president of Niger; 1999 – 2010)
- Goodluck Jonathan (president of Nigeria; 2010-2015)
- Mohamed Marzouki (president of Tunisia; 2011 – 2014)
- Benjamin Mkapa (president of Tanzania; 1995 – 2005)
- Ameenah Gurib-Fakin (president of Mauritius; 2015 – 2018)
- Rupiah Banda (president of Zambia; 2008 – 2011)
- Kgalema Motlanthe (president of South Africa; 2008-2009)
- Jakaya Kikwete (president of Tanzania; 2005 – 2015)
At 31, Lagos-born Espago is redefining what it means to be a late bloomer in the Nigerian music
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he hasn’t performed live yet, he’s putting in the work behind the scenes, mentoring new artists,
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In a scene dominated by speed, Espago’s journey is about intentional growth, honest
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As the new class of Afro‑HipHop begins to take shape, Espago stands out not just for what he’s
making, but for who he is becoming.
Rising artist Derriq isn’t just making music for entertainment; he’s building a legacy rooted in culture, resilience, and pride. The Lagos-based Afro-soul and Afrobeats singer has his eyes set on something bigger than streaming numbers: putting his hometown of Benin City on the global creative map is his dream.
A native of Edo State, Derriq’s musical journey began as a child organizing school parties just for the chance to perform. Since then, he’s gone from studio assistant to full-fledged artist, releasing impactful tracks like “Position,” “Vibration,” and “Confidence.” His sound, described as smooth, calm, and party-ready, reflects the duality of his personality: laid-back yet determined, quiet but powerful.
Derriq is more than just a promising name on Nigeria’s growing music roster; he’s a symbol of the next generation of artists who blend regional identity with global appeal using his distinctive voice, a strong sense of direction, and his signature slang “Yehboo! Yezaiii!” making waves among fans, Derriq is proving that cultural authenticity still cuts through the noise.
His next single, “Omo n’ Ogie,” is a tribute to his heritage and a signal that he’s just getting started. Keep your eyes on Derriq, he’s not just singing for the moment, he’s singing for a movement.
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For interviews and press: derriqmusic@gmail.com
Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:
1. President Bola Tinubu will address the nation in a broadcast today, Sunday, August 4, 2024. Mr Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, announced this in a statement, on Saturday, saying the broadcast would hold at 7am.
2. The Commissioner of Police in Borno State, Yusuf Lawal, on Saturday confirmed the killing of four persons along Baga Road in Maiduguri, Borno State during the nationwide #EndBadGoverment protest. He said Boko Haram elements infiltrated the protesters and killed four persons on Thursday with explosives at a filling station.
3. Many persons have been feared killed while others sustained injuries as hoodlums clashed with security operatives in Kano. It was gathered that Rijiyar Lemo, Kurna to Bachirawa areas in Fagge Local Government, Kofar Nassarawa in Kano municipal and Unguwa Uku area of Tarauni Local Government are the worst hit areas.
4. The leadership of the organised labour, on Saturday, warned the Nigeria Police Force and other security forces to stop what it described as a “massacre” of protesters carrying out nationwide demonstrations against hunger in the land.
5. Leading Human Rights group, Amnesty International Nigeria, has said over 50 protesters were arrested in Abuja on the third day of the demonstration against hardship in the land.
6. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged the police and other security agencies to stop shooting and killing protesters demanding good governance in Nigeria. Atiku in a statement on Saturday, questioned the professionalism of the security agencies in the handling of the ongoing demonstrations.
7. Some of the organisers and supporters of the ongoing protest have set up pages to raise over N4bn through GoFundMe, a popular online crowdfunding platform. A check on Saturday showed that a total of N4.1bn had been benchmarked to be donated through accounts created by three GoFundMe users.
8. Tragedy struck again in Imo State on Saturday evening when some gunmen reportedly shot dead the President-General of Umucheke Okwe autonomous community in Onuimo Local Government Area of Imo State, Hyginus Ohazurike. Six village heads from the autonomous community were also allegedly killed by the gunmen.
9. The Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh has said his men were not responsible for the death of a teenager in the Kubwa area of the FCT. In a viral video, a man claimed that police, while dispersing protesters, shot dead a teenager in the Kubwa area.
10. The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu has said President Bola Tinubu is keeping an eye on the ongoing #EndBadGovernance demonstrations across the country.
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