The Lagos State commissioner for information and strategy Gbenga Omotoso debunked allegation that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu paid lawyers who represented the latter at the election tribunal from public funds.
Mr Omotoso made the rebuttal in a statement on Monday night in reaction to a post by Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour on the platform formerly known as Twitter on Sunday.
The commissioner said Mr Rhodes-Vivour’s allegation that the Lagos State Government funded Governor Sanwo-Olu’s legal dispute after the March 18, 2023 election was 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.
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“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,” the commissioner’s statement read.
