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US demands investigation into African Development Bank’s Decision.
The United States Department of Treasury has requested an independent investigation into allegations leveled against the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina.
Some staff of the AfDB had accused Adesina of 20 breaches of the bank’s code of conduct, including “unethical conduct, private gain, an impediment to efficiency, preferential treatment, and involvement in political activities”. The bank’s ethics committee carried out an independent investigation headed by Takuji Yano and cleared Adesina, insisting he was not guilty on all counts.
However, in a letter by US Treasury Secretary, Stephen Mnuchin dated 22nd May and addressed to Niale Kaba, chair of AfDB’s board of governors, rejected the findings by the ethics committee of the bank that “totally exonerated” Adesina and has called for a deeper investigation. The US Treasury owns the largest non-African stake in the bank.
Read the full text of the letter below
THE UNITED STATES RECEIVED YOUR LETTER OF MAY 5, IN WHICH YOU SHARE YOUR VIEW THAT THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK SHOULD ADOPT THE CONCLUSIONS OF THE BANK’S ETHICS COMMITTEE AND DECLARE THAT THE PRESIDENT IS “TOTALLY EXONERATED OF ALL THE ALLEGATIONS MADE AGAINST HIM.” OUR CONSTITUENCY CANNOT MAKE SUCH A DECLARATION AT THIS TIME. WE HAVE DEEP RESERVATIONS ABOUT THE INTEGRITY OF THE COMMITTEE’S PROCESS.
INSTEAD, WE URGE YOU TO INITIATE AN IN-DEPTH INVESTIGATION OF THE ALLEGATIONS USING THE SERVICES OF AN INDEPENDENT OUTSIDE INVESTIGATOR OF HIGH PROFESSIONAL STANDING. WE EMPHASIZE THAT UNDERTAKING AN INDEPENDENT EVALUATION OF FACTS, AT ANY STAGE, IS NOT AT ODDS WITH A PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE.
THE ALLEGATIONS SET OUT IN THE WHISTLEBLOWER COMPLAINT SUBMITTED ON JANUARY 19, 2020, RAISE SIGNIFICANT ISSUES THAT ALL RELEVANT GOVERNING BODIES OF THE BANK MUST HANDLE WITH THE UTMOST CARE, USING ALL TOOLS AVAILABLE TO THEM. HAD THE ETHICS COMMITTEE UNDERTAKEN A PROPER PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION THAT WAS IN LINE WITH THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS RESOLUTION B/BG/2008/L 1, STANDARD PRACTICES AT OTHER INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, AND THE BANK’S OWN RULES AND PROCEDURES, IT WOULD HAVE REVIEWED AVAILABLE FACTS THAT COULD BE GATHERED BY EXTERNAL COUNSEL AND FOUND IN INTERNAL BANK RECORDS.
WE FEAR THAT WHOLESALE DISMISSAL OF ALL ALLEGATIONS WITHOUT APPROPRIATE INVESTIGATION WILL TARNISH THE REPUTATION OF THIS INSTITUTION AS ONE THAT DOES NOT UPHOLD HIGH STANDARDS OF ETHICS AND GOVERNANCE. THIS IS A SERIOUS RISK WHEN WE NEED STRONG CONFIDENCE IN THE AFDB TO PLAY AN INFLUENTIAL ROLE IN THE CURRENT GLOBAL ECONOMIC AND HEALTH CRISIS, AND WHEN MANY SHAREHOLDERS ARE SEEKING LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT FOR PAYMENTS UNDER THE RECENTLY-CONCLUDED GENERAL CAPITAL INCREASE.
THEREFORE, THE UNITED STATES CANNOT SUPPORT DISMISSING THE ALLEGATIONS AT THIS STAGE. WE BELIEVE THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS MUST DEMONSTRATE THAT THIS INSTITUTION TAKES GOVERNANCE, ANTI-CORRUPTION, AND TRANSPARENCY SERIOUSLY. WE THUS REQUEST THAT YOU TAKE STEPS TO INITIATE AN IMPARTIAL, INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO THESE ALLEGATIONS. WHATEVER THE OUTCOME, THE AFDB WILL EMERGE STRONGER FOR HAVING TAKEN SERIOUSLY ITS OBLIGATIONS TO UPHOLD GOOD GOVERNANCE.
THE UNITED STATES SINCERELY WISHES THE AFDB TO REMAIN A HIGH-QUALITY INSTITUTION WITH THE CAPABILITY TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF THE AFRICAN CONTINENT, PARTICULARLY AT THIS CRITICAL TIME. CONSIDERING THE SCOPE, SERIOUSNESS AND DETAIL OF THESE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE SOLE CANDIDATE FOR BANK LEADERSHIP OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, WE BELIEVE THAT FURTHER INQUIRY IS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THE AFDB’S PRESIDENT HAS BROAD SUPPORT, CONFIDENCE, AND A CLEAR MANDATE FROM SHAREHOLDERS.
PLEASE ACCEPT OUR REGARDS AND APPRECIATION FOR CONSIDERING OUR REQUEST.

News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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News2 days agoImpeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
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