Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has refuted the allegation of bribing some members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives with $10 million to expedite the passage of the contentious Control of Infectious Diseases Bill.
It would be recalled that the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) had alleged that the Foundation offered the bribe to the lawmakers to give the bill accelerated passage.
But the Foundation’s country representative in Nigeria, Paulin Basinga in his May 14, 2020 letter entitled ‘Gates Foundation statement on allegation of misconduct’ and addressed to National Assembly said the allegation was entirely false and without merit.
The country director said Basinga said the BMG Foundation neither induced any legislator financially nor offered any grants to organisations in Nigeria in connection controversial bill.
He said the organisation adheres to strict ethical and legal guidelines across all areas of its operations adding that “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.”
Besides, Basinga said the Foundation invests in programmes that address Nigeria’s health and development challenges which align with the country’s development agenda and priorities.
The letter 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 programmes 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 commends the government of Nigeria for the swift response to the pandemic and also commends the Presidential Task Force other government agencies, and the legislature for their commitment to addressing the pandemic and protecting the Nigerian people.”
