Published by Olumide Donald on Friday 6, June 2025.
Hon. Tijjani Umar, Chairman of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, shares #92million as Sallah gifts but the public cash display sparks outrage.
In a headline making move, Hon.Tijjani Umar, the Local Government Chairman of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, has reportedly disbursed #92million in cash to residents as part of the 2025 Sallah celebration package.
Photos and videos now circulating online show bundles of cash laud out openly while residents queued up to collect their share. while many praised the gesture for helping citizens during the festive season, others have strongly criticized the manner in which the funds were distributed calling it a shameful show of wealth under the lens of poverty.
Critics argue that such public cash displays especially under camera, promote the wrong message and risk encouraging money mishandling.
”This is not empowerment. This is outdated and embarrassing,” said a Maiduguri resident on X (formerly Twitter) .” Why not create a structured welfare program or electronic transfer system that promotes dignity and transparency?”
Nigeria has long struggled with cash based handouts by politicians, often used as campaign tactics or image laundering. The lack of sustainable empowerment programs and proper documentation raised questions about budget transparency and true intention behind such distributions.
If #92 million can be shared so easily in one day, how much could be done IG invested in small businesses, education or skill acquisition?
Moral Lesson:
True leadership goes beyond showy giveaways. Empower people sustainably, not temporarily. And always with dignity and transparency.
#TijanniUmar #SallahCashDisbursement
#BornoStateNews#GoodGovernanceNow
Ayobo/IpajaTV.com 