American billionaire, philanthropist and co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates has denied media reports that he offered a $10 million bribe to the Niger
American billionaire, philanthropist and co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates has denied media reports that he offered a $10 million bribe to the Nigerian House of Representatives to pass the Control of Infectious Disease Bill being considered by the House, PremiumTimes is reporting.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation registered the denial in a memorandum submitted to an ad-hoc committee of the House investigating the allegations on Monday.
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) had alleged that it intercepted a human intelligence report that the House leadership was poised to forcefully pass the compulsory vaccine bill without subjecting it to the traditions of legislative proceedings.
The body in the statement by its spokesperson, Imo Ugochinyere, alleged that $10 million was offered by Gates to influence the speedy passage of the Infectious Disease Bill without recourse to legislative public hearing, adding that the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, should be impeached if he forces the bill on members.
But the speaker defended his promotion of the bill, arguing that its content and timing were appropriate. He also pledged that there would be a public hearing where Nigerians would have the opportunity to contribute to the draft law.
Speaking for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation before the House Adhoc committee, Gates who was represented by the country representative of his Foundation, Paulin Basinga, said there was no interaction whatsoever between himself or his Foundation and the House. He said the Foundation adheres to strict ethical and legal guidelines across all areas of its operations.
Meanwhile, the ad-hoc committee investigating the allegation has given Ugochinyere till Thursday to appear before it with evidence of inducement as alleged by him or face a charge of contempt of parliament.
