Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has denied the accusations from Labour Party candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, who claimed that the state financed his legal battle post the March 18, 2023 election.
His denial was disclosed in a statement issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso in a tweet on his official X account.
Sanwo-Olu asserted the lack of solid proof for the allegations and emphasized his commitment to upholding his Oath of Office by not misusing public funds.
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 ofN50,000,000 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 Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice drew his attention to it because it is irregular.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will never misappropriate public funds in defiance of his Oath of Office.”