Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat Allocate N200 Million State Funds for Legal Battle Against Labour Party’s GRV

The gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party in the general election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has made startling revelations accusing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, of utilizing a whopping N200 million of Lagos State public funds for their appeal Court litigation.

Taking to Twitter, Rhodes-Vivour disclosed that the governor allegedly tapped into state coffers to finance his legal battle and cover expenses related to the Appeal Court proceedings. The recent verdict by the Appeal Court in Lagos, upholding the tribunal’s decision on the re-election of Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat, adds weight to these claims.

The three-man panel comprising Justice Yargata Nimpa, Justice Samuel Bola, and Justice Paul Bassey unanimously dismissed the appeals of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party, including Rhodes-Vivour, challenging the victory of Sanwo-Olu and his deputy.

Rhodes-Vivour contends that Sanwo-Olu spent a staggering N200 million on legal fees from Lagos State’s coffers, prompting questions about the governor’s use of public funds for personal litigation expenses.

In a critical tweet, Rhodes-Vivour stated, “We took Mr Sanwolu, Mr Hamzat, APC, and INEC to court. We did not take @Lagosstategov to court. Why should the state fund his legal fees? Why should citizens’ taxes be used to pay for his representation? This is why they are always quick to say, ‘Go to court’ because they are so irresponsible and cheap, to not even pick up their legal bills.”

Revealing further details on the legal expenses, Rhodes-Vivour pointed out that the governor allocated N500 million each to the Ministry of Justice for disbursement to four different legal chambers:

1. Ahmed and Co
2. Akinboro and Co
3. Babatunde Ogala and Co
4. MESSRS. Femi Okunu and Co.

The allocation of such substantial funds from the state budget to cover the legal bills of the governor and his deputy raises concerns about undue advantage over political rivals, potential abuse of power, and the presence of a conflict of interest.

Rhodes-Vivour contends that it is inappropriate for the governor to use state funds to finance his legal expenses and those of his deputy. He calls on Governor Sanwo-Olu to address these allegations and be accountable to the public.

This revelation comes at a time when the ADC governorship candidate, Funso Doherty, recently alleged that the state government allocated exorbitant amounts for luxury items, such as duffel bags, charter planes, SUVs, refrigerators, and fans, totaling approximately N4 billion in procurement.

Doherty questioned the justification for such lavish expenditures by the governor and his cabinet, especially in the face of economic hardships experienced by the country. Lagos, despite being the highest generator of internal revenue among Nigerian states, also bears the highest domestic and foreign debt, with a domestic debt profile of N812.4 billion and external debts of $1.3 billion.

These allegations collectively point towards potential misuse of state funds, mismanagement of resources, and misplaced priorities on the part of the Lagos State government.