The president of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, told the bank's ethics committee that allegations of impropriety and fraud against him were "frivolous and not based on objective and solid facts", his defence obtained exclusively by PREMIUM TIMES shows.
On January 19, 2020, a group within the bank petitioned the committee, headed by Takuji Yano, the institution's Japan Executive Director, to demand investigations into 16 allegations against Mr Adesina.
Allegation No. 8: Appointment of Emmanuel EZINWA:
ADESINA: The allegation that "A Nigerian, Mr EZINWA was found guilty of sexually harassing a colleague during his probation period; and despite his misconduct, (I) requested that Mr. EZINWA's contract be confirmed, thus forcing the HR Director, Mrs Frauke HARNISCHFEGER resign is false.
Allegation 11: Settlements for staff separations
ADESINA: The allegation that somehow the former Chief Economist, Mr Celestine Monga, departed the Bank with improper payments is false.
Allegation No. 14: Appointment of Mr Charles LUFUMPA as acting VP and Chief Economist
ADESINA: The allegations against me over the appointment of Charles Lufumpa as Acting Vice President and Chief Economist are patently false.
