The Lagos State Government has denied the allegation that state fund was used to prosecute Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu post-election legal battle.
The allegation was raised on Sunday by one of his opponents in the March 18, 2023, governorship election, Gbadebo Rhoes-Vivor, the Labour Party, LP, candidate.
The LP candidate raised the allegation on his ‘X’ handle on Sunday, though he did not give proof.
Reacting, Gbenga Omotosho, the state Commissioner of Information said in a statement on Monday that the allegation could not be proven, saying that the LP candidate lied.
Recall that the Court of Appeal recently affirmed the victory of Governor Sanwo-olu in line with an earlier verdict of the state Election Petition Tribunal in September which said he won the contested election.
Sanwo-Olu was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the election,
The state government said those accusing it of financial impropriety should come forward with proof. No documents to show that state fund was used to prosecute the legal tussle, the commissioner said.
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The state government 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 N50,000,000 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”.
The Governor Sanwo-olu government has been under public scrutiny lately in the way it has managed the finances of the state.
Last week, it was reported that the state government allocated N2 billion for the purchase of rechargeable fan for the office of the Deputy Governor.
The government has denied the allegation.
