The Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the 2023 election in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has criticized Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for its lack of proactive flood management measures.
In an interview on Channels TV on Thursday, Rhodes-Vivour responded to the flash floods that impacted various areas of Lagos on Wednesday. The heavy rainfall caused severe flooding, making many roads nearly impassable, leading to significant traffic congestion and discomfort for commuters.
Rhodes-Vivour called on the government to implement wetland protection policies to help mitigate and manage the effects of annual floods. He pointed out that while the State Government is quick to demolish properties, it fails to provide an effective emergency response to floods.
“What is most painful to me is seeing a government that is very active in demolishing properties but shows no emergency response or protocol during floods,” he remarked. “We don’t see emergency personnel on the ground, no early warnings advising people to avoid certain routes, and no diversions in place.”
Rhodes-Vivour stressed that anyone who cares deeply about Lagos and understands its history could foresee these issues long before they occur.