By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari, has praised Dr Akinwumi Adesina for overcoming a stiff re-election obstacle.
Adesina was re-elected president of the Africa Development Bank, a re-election that was opposed by the United States on grounds of fraud.
Adesina was later cleared of all the charges and went ahead to win all the votes by 100 per cent.
Buhari, who received Adesina at the presidential villa, said: “I congratulate you on your second and final term in office. Congratulations on winning the election. Nothing succeeds like success.”
Adesina’s second term of five years commences on September 1.
“I have told so many people why I backed you,” President Buhari said.
“In 2015, at your first term, you were a Minister with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) government, and I was of the All Progressives Congress (APC). But you are a good Nigerian. So I recommended you the first time. You proved to be competent, you made us proud, and I recommended you the second time.”
The President said Adesina has made progress in Africa in general, and Nigeria in particular, stressing that the infrastructural improvements of roads, rail, power, could not be overcome without his support.
“There can’t be sustainable development without infrastructure. Our efforts should be seen in the context of lack of resources, but you do your best to support us. I wish you all the best in your final term,” President Buhari said.
Adesina appreciated President Buhari and Nigerians for their support, saying he was proud to be a citizen of the country.
“Home is where dreams are born. Home is where nurturing is provided. It is where support is given for realization of dreams. I am glad to belong here,” Dr Adesina said.
“When I came in June, you received me, and I shared my successes, and the difficulties facing me. You listened, and said you would stand by me. And you did. You not only stood behind me, but also beside me. No greater honour for a man than for his Commander-in-Chief to be his Supporter-in-Chief, and his Defender-in-Chief,” he added.
Adesina said Nigeria gave him air, “when I badly needed it in my lungs,” and pledged to always support the country in his private capacity, and as AfDB President.
He then asked for a round of applause for the President, which was truly resounding.