Yusuf Gagdi, a member of the House of Representatives from Plateau State, gifted his teenage daughter a brand new SUV to celebrate her graduation from high school. The lawmaker, who represents the Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Constituency, shared the news on social media, posting pictures of his daughter with the new car and congratulating her on her achievement.
The gesture, which comes at a time when many Nigerians are struggling economically, has drawn mixed reactions online. While some congratulated Gagdi’s daughter on her graduation and praised him for rewarding her hard work, others criticized the lavish gift as insensitive and out of step with the country’s current economic situation.
Critics have argued that the money spent on the SUV could have been used to help the less fortunate or fund education initiatives in his constituency. They have also questioned the source of the money used to buy the luxury vehicle, pointing to the high salaries and allowances of Nigerian lawmakers as a possible source.
Responding to the backlash, Gagdi defended his decision, claiming that the gift was a personal matter and a way to reward his daughter’s academic achievements. He stressed that the car was not purchased with public funds and that he had the right to spend his personal money as he pleased.
The controversy surrounding Gagdi’s gift highlights a growing divide between the political elite and average Nigerians, who are struggling to make ends meet amid rising inflation and economic uncertainty.
