Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State, has alleged that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu spent over N1 billion on helicopter services within a month.
Rhodes-Vivour made this claim in a social media post shared on Tuesday, stating that Sanwo-Olu’s administration expended N1,039,875,000 on helicopter charter services in April 2022 alone. Additionally, he noted that the governor allocated N512,000,000 for the same service in July and August 2023.
Expressing concern over the substantial expenditure, Rhodes-Vivour questioned the rationale behind allocating nearly N2 billion within three months for helicopter charter services while certain areas in the state lacked access to clean water.
“Is it justifiable for Lagos to spend close to N2 billion in three months on transporting the governor via private helicopter, while many parts of Lagos Island lack access to clean water from their taps?” he queried.
Rhodes-Vivour further suggested alternative approaches to project supervision, proposing the use of drones instead of helicopters to conserve state resources.
“A government under Rhodes-Vivour’s leadership will utilize drones for project supervision, thus saving state funds that can be redirected towards human capital development,” he stated.
Highlighting the potential impact of redirecting funds, Rhodes-Vivour pointed out that N1.2 billion could pay 1,000 teachers N100,000 monthly for a year, contributing to the enhancement of the public education system.
“A Rhodes-Vivour administration will refrain from funding officials’ private jet travels, with any official opting for private flights expected to cover the expenses personally,” Rhodes-Vivour emphasized.
As of the time of reporting, attempts to reach the Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Gboyega Akosile, for comment were unsuccessful.
Below are internet peoples Reactions;
@Ismailah wrote: Sanwo Olu, please leave our heritage as it’s once you can’t innovate or build classical hospital but don’t demolish it ( EBUTE METTA GENERAL HOSPITAL) stop container building . It looks shame and disgusting to lagos mainland 😭
@Musa: How much is the helicopter self
@Duke: Good news….. he’s close to visit EFCC…..awon oleh
@Emmanuel:
EFCC has Never invite any present and past Governors of Lagos
What a miracle God
