By Olaniyi Apanpa
The Lagos State Government on Monday denied an allegation by the Labour Party candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, that the state funded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s post-election legal dispute.
Commissioner of Information, Gbenga Omotoso, in a statement reacting to the allegation, stated it was not true but a ploy to deceive the public.
Omotoso noted that though a payment request was made, it was turned down by the governor after the Attorney General noticed its irregularity.
The commissioner urged those scrutinising the finances of the state to base such inquiry on verified facts.
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”. (Punch)
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