The Lagos State government, on Tuesday, dismissed a viral report on the social media that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu paid his lawyers from the state government’s funds, describing it as false.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, made this this known while reacting to a post on X (formerly Twitter), by the Labour Party, LP, candidate, Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, accusing Governor Sanwo-Olu of funding his lawyers through state funds.
Omotoso, who described the report as another plot to deceive Lagos residents, said: “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 allegation was supported by a document that neither carried the logo of the Lagos State Government nor the endorsement of any of its officials.
“It was simply another ploy to deceive the public about a non-existent payment of N50 million to four lawyers.
“While it is worthwhile for patriotic individuals to scrutinise the finances of the Lagos State Government, the outcome of such inquiry must always be based on verified facts and nothing but the truth.
“The transaction referenced by Mr Rhodes-Vivour never took place. There was a payment request, which was not approved by Mr Governor when the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice drew his attention to it because it was irregular. For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Sanwo-Olu will never misappropriate public funds in defiance of his Oath of Office.”
