I did not force N650k birthday Aso Ebi on my Staff – Lagos Council Chairman

Mrs. Samiat Bada, Executive Chairman of the Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development Area in Lagos, has firmly denied charges that she forced her employees to buy expensive fabrics for her approaching 50th birthday celebration.

According to the Nigerian Tribune, she denied these charges as baseless and without merit during a news conference conducted at the council office on Tuesday.

The accusations originally emerged in a petition filed by Concerned Ikosi Isheri LCDA Residents against her, stating that she had sold the fabrics for ₦650,000 during a difficult time. The group also accused her of pressuring council members and workers to buy the fabrics, among other misconduct allegations.

In her address to the media, she characterized these allegations as an intentional attempt to blackmail her, tarnish her reputation, and create divisions within her administration that were unnecessary. She emphasized her commitment to transparency and fair treatment of her staff.

“I want to make it clear that the claims being circulated on social media, which allege that I imposed a ₦650,000 Aso Ebi (traditional fabrics) on my staff, are entirely fabricated,” Bada stated during the press conference. “Since taking office, I have prioritized the welfare and working conditions of my staff.”

She acknowledged that her friends and associates from abroad had chosen to purchase the ₦650,000 fabrics among themselves as a gesture to celebrate her upcoming birthday in December 2023. However, she clarified that there was no formal invitation sent to her staff obligating them to contribute financially to her birthday celebration.

Furthermore, Bada highlighted her recent efforts to improve the welfare of her staff by increasing their bonus from ₦4,000 to 10,000, recognizing their dedication and motivation in their respective roles.

She assured the public that she remained committed to serving her constituency with integrity and transparency. She urged media outlets to verify and validate information before propagating false claims that could damage an individual’s reputation.