By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, the Executive Chairman of Ikosi Isheri LCDA, Kosofe, has vehemently refuted allegations of imposing Aso Ebi attire on staff for her forthcoming 50th birthday celebration. She also addressed the recent incident surrounding the NULGE (Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees) election held in the LCDA.
Addressing the press at the council secretariat in Ikosi Ketu, Bada described the recent allegations as completely false and baseless. She emphasized that the claims regarding the imposition of a 650,000 Naira Aso Ebi fee on the esteemed staff of Ikosi Isheri LCDA for her upcoming birthday were unfounded.
Samiat Abolanle noted that since assuming office as the Chairman of Ikosi Isheri LCDA, she had prioritized the welfare and working conditions of the council staff. She stated, “I have worked tirelessly to improve their working environment and ensure that they feel valued and appreciated. One of the first actions I took was to increase their monthly welfare package (administered through NULGE) from 400,000 Naira to 1.4 million Naira, signifying a significant increase that reflects their dedication and hard work.”
According to Bada, her administration had constructed a modern and suitable administrative complex for the staff, providing them with a place where they could carry out their duties efficiently and comfortably.
“In addition, I increased their bonus from 4,000 Naira to 10,000 Naira, a gesture aimed at acknowledging their commitment and motivation. I also procured a new staff bus to enhance their convenience and transportation,” she added.
Bada’s response appeared to be directed at viral reports by online media, not Kosofe Post, that alleged staff were being required to contribute financially to her birthday celebration. She clarified, “Despite these positive developments and efforts to uplift the working conditions of Ikosi Isheri LCDA staff, it is disheartening to see such false allegations being spread. Let me emphasize once again that there is no proof or formal invitation indicating that my staff is being required to contribute financially towards my birthday celebration.”
She described the unfounded allegations as a deliberate attempt to blackmail her, tarnish her reputation, and create unnecessary division within her administration.
Bada further pledged to investigate the root of the situation, stating, “I am committed to getting to the bottom of this and exposing those responsible for these false claims. They have sought to undermine the LCDA’s standing, as evidenced by their failed attempt to deny Mr. Governor’s visit for the commissioning of the Ikosi Isheri International Market recently inaugurated by Mr. Governor. Their motive is clear – to diminish the importance and success of the market.”
According to her, she was the first Chairman of any LCDA to provide palliatives to her constituents long before the removal of fuel subsidy. She announced that another round of palliative support is currently being planned and will be implemented soon.
“My team and I will take the appropriate legal route to unravel this scheme and ensure that those responsible face the consequences of their actions. I implore the press to exercise due diligence and report facts, not fiction,” concluded Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada.
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A Senior Planning officer in the Budget Department of Ikosi Isheri LCDA and former chairperson of the New Era Group faction of NULGE, Mrs. Kaka Temitope, reacted to the allegations that the council Chairman was behind the attack on some of their members during the NULGE election held on August 2, 2023. She stated that the poll was inconclusive.
“Due to the fact that while the election was ongoing, I think members of staff and the management discovered that there were some fraudulent acts during the sorting of the ballot papers. This led to a fracas, as some individuals were not satisfied with the proceedings. Consequently, the election became inconclusive.”
Mrs. Kaka Temitope clarified that everyone, including the executive chairman and the management, was seated under the canopy during the incident. She asserted that there was no instance where the executive chairman openly commanded any set of individuals to engage in disruptive behavior.
Kosofe Post’s further findings indicate that Caretaker Committee members will be selected from three factions of NULGE in Ikosi Isheri LCDA until a proper election can be conducted.