The Executive Chairman of Ikosi Isheri LCDA in Lagos State, Mrs Samiat Bada, has refuted online allegations claiming that she coerced her staff into purchasing N650,000.00 worth of fabrics for her upcoming 50th birthday celebration.
Speaking to the press at the council secretariat on Tuesday, Bada dismissed the allegations as entirely untrue and lacking in substance.
The claims stemmed from a petition reportedly filed by Concerned Ikosi Isheri LCDA Residents, accusing Bada of selling N650,000.00 fabrics for her birthday during these challenging times.
The group further alleged that she made it mandatory for councilors, supervisors, and workers to buy the fabrics.
Bada addressed the media to set the record straight, denouncing the allegations as a deliberate attempt to tarnish her reputation, blackmail her, and create division within her administration.
“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,” Bada stated. “I want to categorically state that these allegations are completely false and baseless.”
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Bada emphasized her commitment to the welfare and working conditions of her staff, mentioning her efforts to enhance their environment and ensure they feel valued.
“In spite of these positive developments and efforts to uplift the working conditions of my staff, it was, however, disheartening to see such allegations against me,” Bada remarked.
Regarding the fabrics, Bada clarified that her friends and associates from abroad chose the N650,000 fabrics among themselves to celebrate her upcoming December 2023 birthday. She affirmed that there was no formal invitation to her staff to contribute financially toward her birthday celebration.
Bada concluded by stating that she will take appropriate legal action to expose those responsible for spreading false information.
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Council Manager Mrs Bola Adeyemi echoed Bada’s stance, confirming that the chairman had never forced her or any staff member to purchase the expensive traditional fabrics.
Adeyemi urged the public to disregard the allegations against the council’s executive chairperson and emphasized the importance of factual reporting by the media.