Mr Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has reacted to insinuations in certain quarters that he offered a $10million bribe to members of the House of Representatives in Nigeria to pass the Infectious Diseases Bill.
There were widespread rumours that the House of Representatives collected gratifications in orther to pass the controversial bill.
But reacting on the raging controversy Monday, Bill Gates foundation, in a letter signed by its Nigeria Country Office Director, Paulin Basinga, described the allegations as ‘false and without merit.’
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.”
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BREAKING ; Atiku’s Son dumps PDP defects to APC, vows to work for President Tinubu’s reelection
BREAKING ; Atiku’s Son dumps PDP defects to APC, vows to work for President Tinubu’s reelection
The Son of Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, dumped the PDP and pledged to work for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Abubakar, popularly known as Abba, formally announced his defection to the APC at the National Assembly, where he was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, with APC leaders from the North-East.
Party leaders described the move as a significant boost to the APC’s consolidation efforts ahead of the next general election, given Abba’s political network and grassroots organisation.
Announcing his resignation from the PDP, Abba said the decision was informed by his conviction in the leadership style of Senator Barau and the policies of the Tinubu administration.
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Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident
Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident
Eight persons died while three others were injured in a road traffic crash along the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka carriageway in Yobe.
The Yobe Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Andrew Longkam, confirmed the incident on Thursday.
He said the crash occurred around Gaggaba on the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka axis at about 12:40 hours.
“Preliminary reports from Dogon Kuka Unit Command show the incident was promptly reported to the corps,” Longkam said.
FRSC operatives arrived within five minutes, enabling swift rescue, evacuation of victims, traffic control, road clearance and prevention of secondary crashes.
The crash involved a white Howo trailer, registration DAL 963YY, and a white Mitsubishi Canter, registration NNR 437XA.
“Twelve adult males were involved, with eight fatalities and four rescued, including three injured and one unhurt,” he said.
The injured and deceased were taken to Government General Hospital, Dogon Kuka, where the injured received prompt medical attention.
Longkam said the FRSC tow truck cleared the obstruction, restored traffic flow and notified the Police Motor Traffic Division in Dogon Kuka.
“Preliminary findings indicate the Mitsubishi Canter, suspected to excessive speeding, committed a route violation and crashed into the trailer,” he said.
He said excessive speed and route violation were suspected causes, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.
The sector commander urged motorists to avoid speeding, route violations and unsafe practices, assuring continued enforcement, emergency response and public education across the state. (NAN)
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Atiku finally breaks silence after his Son defects to APC
Atiku finally breaks silence after his Son defects to APC
Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has addressed his son Abba Abubakar’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a personal choice.
In a statement posted on his X handle, Atiku said, “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.”
He added, “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”
The former vice president also highlighted his concerns about the ruling party, saying, “What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people.”
“ I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress.”
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