GRV Questions State Funding for Sanwo-Olu’s Legal Defense

In an unexpected twist, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV), the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate for the forthcoming March 18 election in Lagos, has cast doubt on the Lagos State Ministry of Justice’s role in financing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s legal defense at the election petition tribunal.

Taking to his social media platform, GRV shared screenshots that purportedly unveil a budgetary statement from the Lagos State Ministry of Justice. According to these documents, funds were designated to various legal firms assigned to represent Governor Sanwo-Olu in court proceedings related to the election.

In a strongly-worded statement, GRV voiced his reservations, questioning, “We took Mr. Sanwo-Olu, 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?”

He further criticized the alleged practice, suggesting that state financial support compromises the impartiality of the legal process. GRV emphasized, “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.”

As the election date approaches, these revelations introduce a new dynamic to the political landscape in Lagos, prompting questions about the utilization of public funds to support legal matters tied to electoral disputes. The ensuing controversy is poised to attract attention and fuel discussions on the ethical considerations surrounding state-sponsored legal representation for political figures.