Buhari Reacts As AfDB President Adesina Gets Re-elected

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed happiness over the re-election of Dr Akinwumi Adesina as the President of African Development Bank (AfDB).

Adesina, a former Minister of Agriculture was re-elected on Thursday during an extraordinary meeting of bank holding in Cote d’Ivoire.

He emerged unopposed despite United States opposition to his reelection.

Adesina was first elected as AfDB President in 2015.

Reacting in a statement released to newsmen by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, Buhari said Adesina deserves it.

Buhari’s aide disclosed that the president received news of the victory came during the Council of State meeting, which was attended by former Heads of State, Presidents of the Senate, state governors, some ministers, and senior government officials.

The statement read, “As Secretary to Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, announced the good news, President Buhari led a round of applause, and declared: ‘He deserves it.’

“The President extends appreciation to the African Union for its endorsement of the AfDB President much earlier, and to shareholders of the bank who worked tirelessly to ensure the return of the visionary leader.

“President Buhari believes Dr Adesina’s versatility, experience at both national and international engagements, will be further deployed to energize the pan-African financial institution, urging him 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.

“The President rejoices with family, friends and professional colleagues of Dr Adesina over the re-election, while commending members of staff and Board of Governors of the AfDB for their consistent support for the former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and his management team.

“While pledging full support of his government to ensure a successful tenure for the AfDB leadership, President Buhari prays that the Almighty God will continue to strengthen Dr Adesina and his team for greater good to the continent.”