After much allegations and investigations, Nigeria’s Akinwunmi Adesina has been affirmed as the president of the African Development Bank for second five-year term by the board of governors of African Development Bank on Thursday.

Adesina, the first Nigerian to hold the position, was the sole candidate in the election. He was first elected in May 2015.

“At this Annual Meetings, I offer myself to you, our Governors, for your consideration for election for a second term, as President,” Adesina told the governors on the first day of the AfDB’s annual general meetings on Wednesday.

“I do so, with humility. I do so with a strong sense of duty and commitment and a call to serve Africa and our Bank, selflessly, to the very best of my God-given abilities.”

His chances of returning were almost hindered a few months ago when the United States authorities insisted that he must be investigated for corruption claims made by a whistleblower.

The former Nigerian agriculture minister denied any wrongdoing. He was also cleared of all allegations on multiple occasions.

Whistleblowers 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”.

On May 5, the ethics committee of the continental bank, headed by Takuji Yano, said in its report that Adesina was not guilty on all counts. Adesina in a statement on Wednesday also maintained his innocence.

Unsatisfied with the committee’s report, the United States Department of Treasury called for an independent investigation.

But Nigerian authorities rose in support of the AfDB chief, with the government through its finance minister Zainab Ahmed and former President Olusegun Obasanjo rallying support for him.