Outrage has erupted over the decision of Yusuf Gagdi, a House of Representatives member from Plateau State, to gift Aisha his daughter a brand new Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) 2024 Lexus RX 350 worth about $52,000 as a prize for her graduation from a secondary school, Lead British International School, Abuja.
Aisha, an 18-year-old, reportedly excelled in her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) and in celebration of the feat, her father surprised her with the luxury vehicle
Sharing photos from the graduation ceremony on his Instagram,Gagdi, who was a candidate for Speaker during the inauguration of the 10th Assembly last year, wrote: “Today, I attended my amazing daughter’s graduation ceremony. Watching you, my dear daughter, walk across that stage fills my heart with immense pride and love.
“I celebrate your achievements and the strength you’ve shown. Here’s to a future filled with endless possibilities and happiness. Congratulations, my shining star!”
Angry Nigerians, lamenting the widespread hunger in the land when the government has asked the citizens to endure the ongoing hardship and prepare for a better future, have tackled the lawmaker on social media.
On X, formerly Twitter, @BigBash4ks said: “Nigerian Politics is the most lucrative business in the whole world. Imagine a secondary school leaver driving an SUV of this nature that worth more than 30million naira…..”
@mefarukh wrote: “Can you imagine, when she graduates from University is going to buy her a private jet. This is tax payers money.”
@EINaseem4 said: “He can’t vindicate himself even if it’s with his heart earned money. A misplaced priority at this crucial time in the country.”
@realadnantweet wrote: “These are the people who refused to give poor man an opportunity have decent life. They awarded to themselves fat salaries and allowances to live a luxurious life. I heard someone saying it’s his hard earned money ?”
@EgboroSolomon: “This Rep should be arrested at this time when ppl barely can afford a sqare meal per day, ppl are suffering nd hungry yet sm called elites nd cruel politicians are lavishing the benefits of the poor”
On Facebook, Al-amin Shuayb wrote: “This is gift at this trying moment to fellow masses is a protest trigger.”
Abdlqader Mayner: “So happy for her… This is called motivation.. And who ever knows the bond between parents and children. Will only comment the dad action. But hiding it would have been better considering the current hardship of the populace.”
Thomas Goji: “Nigeria a poorverty capital of the world, with the world most highly paid legislator. Gandi has displayed a highest level of insistivity for buy secondary school Daughter. Brand new SUV. When many people in his constituency are dieying of hunger.”
Olusegun Fadare: “Hon Yusuf Gagdi is a good giver that jealous pple don’t understand… Gift of SUV for graduation from secondary school not sin… I wish to have thing also to give my children.”
Nura Danbaba Bichi: “What do u expect when she finishes her Bsc?”
Aminu Alhasan: “Just secondary school ! And her maturity doesn’t deserve the car. Selfish leaders everywhere.”
On Instagram, @adekunle_aminu said: “Na only govt officials dey enjoy this country while d masses r praying for survival.”
@abuzki16: “is possible the huge amount they are receiving from federal government . And the masses are straggling to survive”