Lagos State tackles Rhodes-Vivour over financial misconduct allegation against Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos State government rejected financial transgression allegations levelled against Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu by the Labour Party’s (LP) governorship candidate in the March 18 election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.

Recall that the Labour Party gubernatorial candidate had on November 19 tackled  Sanwo-Olu for using public funds to finance his legal case at the electoral petition that LP had filed in the aftermath of the poll.

Rhodes-Vivour alleged that N50 million in legal fees were paid by Mr Sanwo-Olu to his lawyers from the pocket of the state government.

While responding, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in the state, Gbenga Omotoso, said the allegation was far from the truth, adding that it was a claim meant to deceive the public.

“The allegation 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 scrutinize the finances of Lagos State, 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 the governor when the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice drew his attention to it because it was irregular.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Gov. Sanwo-Olu will never misappropriate public funds in defiance of his Oath of Office,’’ the commissioner said.