Pfizer’s secret deal

Monday, November 29, 2010 23:04


Pfizer’s secret deal

Last week, the people of Kano State witnessed the foundation-laying ceremony of a multi-million dollar hospital in the ancient city. The facility is a fallout of the deal between the state government and the American drug manufacturer, Pfizer in which the government withdrew criminal and civil charges against the company for conducting clinical tests that resulted in the death of some children in the state.
In the wake of the failed tests, the federal government had filed a separate suit against Pfizer but the case was quietly dropped after a deal was brokered by the then Attorney General of the federation and minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa. . Yet, no official in our government seems to know the details of this agreement. Mr. Aondoakaa who was the arrow head of that transaction denies any knowledge of the money collected from Pfizer, claiming that counsels to the federal government are more acquainted with the case. However, both the counsels and officials of the pharmaceutical giant have refused to disclose the terms of the deal saying the settlement was “covered by a standard confidentiality clause and thus may not be disclosed”.
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Any deal brokered by Michael Aondoakaa is null and void. They have sold Nigerians to the butchers. Individually, each person can sue Pfizer or in America, that way they get their entitlemnet.
Posted by Okwuchukwu Ezeanyika on Nov 28 2010
Yes, the settlement could be covered by a standard confidentiality clause and may not be disclosed. But it behoves on the Federal Government of Nigeria to tell the public what it did with the monetary aspect of the settlement. It is not ethical for the government to keep mute under the guise of confidentiality clause in the agreement. Nigerians deserve decent treatment than that unnerving silence.
Posted by Akinima on Nov 28 2010
Another Aondoakaa deal? Is this the same man who brokered the "Hali-bottom" deal? Did anyone say this man is a trained lawyer charged with the responsibility to protect the interests of the nation at all times, fight for justice, equity and fairness for the nation and its people? How can it be said that Aondoakaa protected the interest of Nigerians or Kano people in both Halliburton and Pfizer deals if the people or their rulers does not know the basis of the so called deals. How will the people be in a position to evaluate whether or not the terms of these deals are in their best interests? How would Pfizer be held accountable in the event of a breach of the agreed terms if the people are not aware of Pfizer's obligations under the agreement. Aondoakaa now seem to seek refuge in confidentiality rule for not disclosing the terms of both agreements. It is terminally very sad that untrained politician and callous lawyers who disregard ethical standards are selling us cheap in the mix to multi-nationals. Time has come for the people to rise up and say no to the Aondoakaas and other ruthless politicians and leaders who seek self interests. God will pay them back for their evil deeds
Posted by KC on Nov 28 2010
Aondoaka again, this charge and bail lawyer at it again! God save Nigeria.
Posted by ochule victor from sagbama bayelsa state on Nov 28 2010
Its rather sad dat pfizer & the fed govt of nigeria are playin gymnicks wit the life of ordinary nigerians the'v vowed 2 safe.even though medical facilities are necessary,i urge the indigenes of kano 2 rise in protest through the relevant agencies & communal effort until the truth is unveiled.
Posted by Nnaendi Nwokoma on Nov 28 2010
This is one situation that must be thoroughly dissected before Michael Aondoakaa washes his hands and says that he does not know. He was in charge and so the "buck" stops with him. He can run but he cannot hide. Pfizer may have "settled" all the people they came in contact with but we need to know what Nigeria's "settlment" was and how this was determined. I will be shocked if the truth on this story ever get to see the light of day but I am hopeful for Nigeria...
Posted by Dewey on Nov 28 2010
Hey You NEXT, urbanised intellectuals, do you know that 80% of the population does not leave in Lagos or Abuja, the only cities where NEXT newspaper can be found!? So, either you improve the diffusion of the nexspaper in the country or you publish full paper on Internet. But this....... is unfair!
Posted by Ode omi on Nov 28 2010
Haahaaa, confidentiality agreement does not apply to settlement between government and private entity. Every Nigeria citizen is a party to the agreement and deserve to know what is in the agreement. The newspaper ought to bound together and sue on behalf of the public
• Aondoakaa’s secret deal with Pfizer