The co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates has rubbished claims
that it offered a $10million bribe to members of the House of Representatives
to pass the Infectious Diseases Bill.
CUPP had in a statement signed by its spokesman, Ikenga Imo
Ugochinyere claimed that, “This intelligence is coupled with the information of
the alleged receipt, from sources outside the country but very interested in
the Bill, of the sum of $10 million by the sponsors and promoters of the Bill to
distribute among lawmakers to ensure a 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.’
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 organisations in Nigeria.
He stated that the foundation was focused on improving the
quality of life for the Nigerian people.
The letter entitled ‘Gates Foundation statement on
allegation of misconduct’, read 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 was involved in a payment
purportedly made to the Nigeria 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.
”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.”
“The Foundation invests in programs that address Nigeria’s
health and development challenges which align with Nigeria’s development agenda
and priorities. As the Nigerian government continues to make concerted efforts
towards containing the impact of the pandemic and leveraging the National
COVID-19 Multi-sectoral Pandemic Response Plan, the Foundation is pleased to
continue its partnership with the several government agencies in aligning its
support to what would be most beneficial to the Nigerian people in these unprecedented
times.”
The Foundation commended Nigeria government for its swift
response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It also lauded the Presidential Task Force, other Government
agencies, and the legislature for their commitment to addressing the pandemic
and protecting the Nigerian people.
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