Mrs. Samiat Bada, the chairperson of Lagos State's Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development Area, has refuted online claims that she coerced her employees into purchasing N650,000 worth of "aso ebi" cloth for her upcoming 50th birthday.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a group had accused Bada, among other things, of allegedly pressuring council members, managers, and employees to purchase the fabrics.
On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, Mrs. Bada spoke to the media at the council secretariat in Lagos and referred to the accusations as totally false and unfounded.
"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," she added.
"I want to firmly emphasize that these accusations are untrue and without merit. I have prioritized my staff's welfare and working conditions ever since I took office.
To celebrate her upcoming birthday in December 2023, Bada acknowledged that her friends and acquaintances from abroad had chosen the N650,000 worth of fabrics among themselves.