The Lagos State Government has refuted the claim made by Labour Party candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour that the state financed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s legal battle post-election.
The Commissioner of Information,Gbenga Omotoso, dismissed the allegation as deceptive, emphasizing that although a payment request was submitted, the governor rejected it upon the Attorney General’s observation of irregularities.
Omotoso urged those examining the state’s finances to rely on verified facts when conducting inquiries.
The statement read, “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 N50,000,000 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 Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice drew his attention to it because it was irregular.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will never misappropriate public funds in defiance of his Oath of Office”.