The Executive Chairman of Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development area of Lagos State, Mrs Samiat Bada, has denied online allegations of compelling her staff members to buy N650,000 fabrics (aso ebi ) for her forthcoming 50th birthday.
While addressing the media at the council secretariat, in Lagos on Tuesday, Bada described the allegations as completely false and baseless.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that an online medium reported a petition filed by concerned Ikosi Isheri LCDA Residents against Bada for selling N650.000.00 fabrics for her birthday at this difficult time.
The group had allegedly accused her of making it compulsory for councillors, supervisors and workers to buy the fabrics, among other allegations levelled against her.
Bada told newsmen that those allegations were part of a deliberate attempt to blackmail her, tarnish her reputation and create unnecessary division within her administration. She said:
“I stand before you today to address the recent allegations that have been circulating on social media in which the writer claimed that I imposed a N650,000.00 Aso Ebi (traditional fabrics) on my staff.
“I want to categorically state that these allegations are completely false and baseless. Since assuming office, I have prioritised the welfare and working conditions of my staff.”
The chairman said she recently increased their welfare bonus from N4,000 to N10,000, a gesture aimed at acknowledging their commitment and motivation to their work.
Bada, however, admitted that her friends and associates from abroad were the ones that decided to choose the N650,000 fabrics among themselves to celebrate her birthday coming up in December 2023.
The chairman said there was no formal invitation to her staff, forcing them to contribute financially towards her 50th birthday celebration.
