The Executive Chairman of Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development area of Lagos State, Mrs. Samiat Bada, on Tuesday, denied online allegations that forced her staff members to buy N650,000 fabrics (aso ebi )for her forthcoming 50th birthday.
Bada denied the allegations while addressing the media at the council secretariat, in Lagos.
She described the allegations as completely false and baseless.
According to reports, 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 an 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 LG boss disclosed that 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.
In other news, Kanyi Daily reported that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has said it will again meet on Thursday this week, on the crisis in Niger Republic whose coup leaders have defied its ultimatum to hand over power or face possible military action.