Smart Updates had reported that the
Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) had alleged that the Green Chamber
of the National Assembly had been offered money to pass the bill despite no
input from stakeholders.
Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) had alleged that the Green Chamber
of the National Assembly had been offered money to pass the bill despite no
input from stakeholders.
However, the co-founder of Microsoft,
Bill Gates has denied claims that it offered a $10million bribe to members of
the House of Representatives to pass the Infectious Diseases Bill.
Bill Gates has denied claims that it offered a $10million bribe to members of
the House of Representatives to pass the Infectious Diseases Bill.
In a statement signed by its
spokesman, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, CUPP claimed that this intelligence is
coupled with information on the reported receipt, from sources outside the country
but very interested in the Bill, which amounts to $10 million from the sponsors
and supporters of the bill to be circulated among lawmakers to ensure the
smooth passage of the Bill.
spokesman, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, CUPP claimed that this intelligence is
coupled with information on the reported receipt, from sources outside the country
but very interested in the Bill, which amounts to $10 million from the sponsors
and supporters of the bill to be circulated among lawmakers to ensure the
smooth passage of the Bill.
But reacting on Monday, Bill Gates
foundation, in a letter signed by its Nigeria Country Office Director, Paulin
Basinga, described the allegations as ‘false and without merit.
foundation, in a letter signed by its Nigeria Country Office Director, Paulin
Basinga, described the allegations as ‘false and without merit.
Basinga maintained that the foundation
had not offered any financial incentives to any member of Nigeria’s legislative
branch for the passage of the Bill, nor did it offer any grant to organizations
in Nigeria.
had not offered any financial incentives to any member of Nigeria’s legislative
branch for the passage of the Bill, nor did it offer any grant to organizations
in Nigeria.
He stated that the foundation was
focused on improving the quality of life for the Nigerian people.
focused on improving the quality of life for the Nigerian people.
The letter entitled ‘Gates Foundation
Statement on allegation of misconduct’ reads in part, ‘The Bill & Melinda
Gates Foundation has recently been made aware of an allegation circulating in
certain elements of the Nigerian media that the foundation has been involved in
a payment allegedly made to the Nigerian House of Representatives.
Statement on allegation of misconduct’ reads in part, ‘The Bill & Melinda
Gates Foundation has recently been made aware of an allegation circulating in
certain elements of the Nigerian media that the foundation has been involved in
a payment allegedly made to the Nigerian House of Representatives.
The Foundation adheres to strict
ethical and legal guidelines across all areas of its operations. What drives
the Foundation’s work is the simple and compelling belief that all lives have
equal value, and that everyone deserves to lead a healthy productive life. The
Foundation works in very diverse settings around the globe in a nonpartisan
fashion, consistent with strict U.S. private foundation restrictions on
political and legislative engagement.
ethical and legal guidelines across all areas of its operations. What drives
the Foundation’s work is the simple and compelling belief that all lives have
equal value, and that everyone deserves to lead a healthy productive life. The
Foundation works in very diverse settings around the globe in a nonpartisan
fashion, consistent with strict U.S. private foundation restrictions on
political and legislative engagement.
Globally, the Foundation is committed
to helping strengthen diagnostic testing, protect at-risk populations; and
develop vaccines, treatments and diagnostics in response to COVID-19. The
Foundation is currently providing support to the Nigerian government’s response
to the COVID-19 pandemic and broader health issues, working in partnership with
international health agencies, development organizations, and civil society.
to helping strengthen diagnostic testing, protect at-risk populations; and
develop vaccines, treatments and diagnostics in response to COVID-19. The
Foundation is currently providing support to the Nigerian government’s response
to the COVID-19 pandemic and broader health issues, working in partnership with
international health agencies, development organizations, and civil society.
The Foundation invests in programs
that address Nigeria’s health and development challenges which align with
Nigeria’s development agenda and priorities.
that address Nigeria’s health and development challenges which align with
Nigeria’s development agenda and priorities.
As the Nigerian Government seeks to
make concerted efforts to minimize the effects of the pandemic and exploit the
National COVID-19 Multi-Sector Pandemic Response Strategy, the Foundation is
pleased to continue its relationship with a range of government agencies to
align its assistance with what will be more helpful to the Nigerian people in
these extraordinary times.
make concerted efforts to minimize the effects of the pandemic and exploit the
National COVID-19 Multi-Sector Pandemic Response Strategy, the Foundation is
pleased to continue its relationship with a range of government agencies to
align its assistance with what will be more helpful to the Nigerian people in
these extraordinary times.
The Foundation commended the Nigerian
Government for its rapid reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Government for its rapid reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It also thanked the Presidential Task
Force, other government agencies and the legislature for their contribution to
combating the pandemic and protecting the people of Nigeria.
Force, other government agencies and the legislature for their contribution to
combating the pandemic and protecting the people of Nigeria.
