Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the 2023 Labour Party candidate for Lagos State Governor, has reignited debate over government spending after accusing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of excessive helicopter travel expenses.
Rhodes-Vivour alleged that the state government spent over N1 billion (approximately $2.4 million) on helicopter charters for the governor in just three months. This included N1.04 billion in April 2022 and N512 million across July and August 2023.
The Labour Party candidate questioned the priorities of the current administration, highlighting areas like clean water access that remain a challenge for Lagosians. “Should Lagos be spending nearly N2 billion in just three months transporting the governor in a private helicopter when most parts of his primary constituency in Lagos Island do not have portable water running from their taps?” Rhodes-Vivour argued.
Alternative Solutions and Campaign Promises
Rhodes-Vivour proposed a more cost-effective approach, suggesting the use of drones for project supervision instead of helicopters. He argued that the N1.2 billion spent on helicopter charters could be used to pay for vital public services. “With N1.2 billion, we can pay 1,000 teachers N100,000/month for a year,” he stated. “This will bring us closer to our goal of achieving the best public primary and secondary school education system in the country.”
These comments come ahead of the 2024 gubernatorial elections in Lagos, with Rhodes-Vivour outlining a platform focused on fiscal responsibility and investment in human capital development. He pledged that a Rhodes-Vivour government would prioritize public transportation and eliminate the use of private jets for government officials.
Government Response and Unanswered Questions
At the time of publishing, the Lagos State government has not responded to the allegations or the proposed alternative solutions from the Labour Party candidate. The lack of response has fueled public discourse, with Lagosians divided on the necessity of such high travel expenses for the governor.
This controversy underscores the ongoing debate over government spending priorities in Nigeria. As the nation grapples with economic challenges, calls for fiscal prudence and investment in social services are likely to remain at the forefront of political discourse.
Source: Punch
