The Lagos State Government has denied the allegation by the Labour Party governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, that the state funded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s post-election legal dispute, News About Nigeria reports.
Responding to the allegation, the state’s Commissioner of Information, Gbenga Omotoso, noted that Gbadebo’s claim was false and targeted at deceiving the public.
He also noted that the allegation, which was supported by a document without the logo of the Lagos State Government or the endorsement of any of the state’s officials showing the payment of N50 million each to four non-existent lawyers, is targeted at denting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s image and good works in the state.
“A post on ‘X’ by Labour Party (LP) candidate Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, on November 19, 2023, alleged – without any proof whatsoever – that the Lagos State Government funded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s legal dispute after the March 18, 2023 election. This is not true,” the statement partly reads.
The Commissioner also explained that, though a payment request was made, it was turned down by the Governor after the Attorney General noticed its irregularity.
Omotoso also noted that, while it is essential for patriotic citizens to probe the finances of the Lagos State Government, the outcome of such inquiry must always be based on verified facts and nothing but the truth.
He further noted that the Lagos State Governor will never misuse public funds for his personal gains because it is not according to his Oath of Office.
The Commissioner, therefore, charged the people of the state to ignore such false stories as the governor’s primary assignment is to serve them and to also ensure that the state moves forward.
