The 2023 Labour Party (LP) gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has criticised the State Government over what he described as misplaced priorities and lack of transparency in public spending.

Raising concerns about infrastructure costs, taxation, and basic service delivery, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship hopeful questioned the cost and timeline of a major road project.

Speaking in a post shared on his verified X handle on Monday, Rhodes-Vivour accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of diverting public attention through divisive politics while key governance issues remain unaddressed.

“The APC continued to muddy the waters with propaganda, violence, and identity politics, deliberately distracting you from what truly matters,” he said.

“They want us divided, angry at one another, so we forget to ask the real questions.”

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“Why does a road of 4.52km long cost ₦279 billion and remain uncompleted after 51 months?” he asked.

The former governorship candidate also raised concerns over budget allocations, citing figures he described as excessive.

“Why they budget ₦212 million for 20 office tables and chairs? Or budget ₦113 million for a generator that costs ₦16 million, and ₦20 billion for 40 units of cars?”

Rhodes-Vivour further criticised what he called inadequate investment in public housing.

“Why is there zero meaningful investment in public housing, while those in power live in palatial mansions funded by the state?”

He also highlighted the lack of access to potable water in parts of Lagos Island.

“Why do residents of Lagos Island lack access to potable water, forced to pay a daily premium just to meet basic needs?”

On transportation, he faulted continued government spending on official vehicles while public transit systems remain unreliable.

“Why does the political class spend billions each year on new vehicles for themselves, while citizens are left stranded at bus stops without reliable public transportation?”

He also criticised recent fare increases.

“Why, in the midst of global oil shocks and a worsening cost-of-living crisis, did the Lagos State government increase the cost of public transport?”

Rhodes-Vivour questioned delays in addressing sanitation challenges.

“Why did it take seven years—reluctantly—for them to even begin addressing public sanitation, after years of a dismissive ‘go back to your state’ approach?”

He raised concerns over the state’s consumption tax and transparency.

“Why does Lagos continue to charge a 5% consumption tax without transparent records of annual revenue, despite promises to harmonise taxes after so-called ‘reforms’?”

He also pointed to what he described as opacity in consultancy spending and waste management.

“Why have trillions been spent over the past two decades on opaque consultancy services with little to no accountability?”

“Why do they preside over a broken waste management system that pollutes the environment, endangers public health, and discourages tourism?”

Rhodes-Vivour stressed the need for accountability.

“These are the questions that matter, these are the issues that continue to affect you and your loved ones.”

As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Government had not issued an official response to the claims.