In celebration of the first year of her second term in office, the executive chairman of the Ikosi-Isheri local council development area in Lagos State, Samiat Abolanle Bada, has distributed 33 Lexus RX 350 and two Lexus GX 460 SUV vehicles to her executive and cabinet members.

Speaking at the council secretariat during the presentation of the 35 official vehicles and their keys to the officials dressed in white native attire and symbolic blue cap, on Monday, Mrs Bada, said the move was to help the recipients efficiently and effectively execute their official operations.

Mrs Bada said, “Today, we’re presenting 35 official vehicles to our executive and cabinet members, standard for grassroot government. This is a bold step and a new standard for grassroot government in the scale of providing 35 vehicles at once for the running of the local government is immaculate. 

“It shows our determination is to equip government to work better. These vehicles will help our executive members move, supervise projects, reach out to communities and respond faster to the needs of our people.”

The presentation came days after she presentated another set of vehicles to councillors, National Union of Local Government Employees, council treasurer, chief of staff, league of imams, Iyaloja, Christian Association of Nigeria, department of environment, revenue and works, task force, street naming committee, revenue committee, and a few others on July 27.

Mrs Bada also in August 2023 presented 14 vehicles to the members of the LCDA executive council.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu administration’s local government autonomy made it possible for LGs to receive allocations directly from the Federal Government, rather than through the state government. This helped them have enough funds for service delivery.

While some Nigerians condemned the car distribution by Mrs Dada amid ravaging poverty as a waste of public funds, others commended the gesture.

Expressing displeasure at the move by the LG chair, @ceo_hamshayks_tech wrote, “Does this vehicle belong to the government? Will they leave it when they leave office or it’s for their personal use and it belongs to them 100 per cent because this is taxpayers’ money that could have been used for important jobs like empowerment and fixing of infrastructure?”

Also, @harmoryade said, “She just buys her way for strong political support for future endorsement. Whether she now performs or not doesn’t even matter,” while @toysinriders wondered why this is being done when “no government school has buses.”

Besides, @nurdinkazim noted, “Schools are dilapidated and not equipped. Students’ wares not provided, hospitals with no drugs and dilapidated. Streets not tarred and dirts everywhere. This is abuse of office positions and should be grossly frowned at by CDAs.’

Commenting, @johnosimen said, “We will work and people will enjoy the money and take it from our salary as payee, and other people will enjoy it,” but kay_sewanu replied, “So, those people that enjoy it, don’t work and don’t pay taxes, right?”

@kay_sewanu stated, “God bless you my Amiable Mayoress. You are God sent and a true leader,” while @simply_teemarvel said, “God bless you ma, for all you do for your people and in your community.”

Also, @tysonayodeji said, “Kudos to my Mayoress!!! You are indeed the people’s choice. You have chosen the welfare of your executive team as priority.”

@oyeledunserifat noted, “MAYORESS, the best chairman in Lagos State. No controversy. The citizens of IKOSI-ISHERI LCDA are saying thank you ma.”

@arikedesignz stated, “This woman dey try. Have you visited Ikosi health centre? You will think you are in a private facility.”