Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has condemned what he described as the deliberate circulation of misleading images and videos aimed at portraying flooding in Lagos in a false light.
In a statement shared on his official social media account, Wahab accused some individuals of politicising the issue of flooding by posting visuals from other states and countries while falsely claiming they were taken in Lagos.
According to the commissioner, the Lagos State Government closely monitors flood-related developments and responds to reports and complaints received through various channels. He, however, expressed concern that some bloggers and social media influencers continue to spread false or misleading information in a bid to attract online engagement.
Wahab said such actions distract attention from genuine cases affecting residents and property owners, whose concerns require prompt government intervention.
He called on all stakeholders to handle issues affecting Lagos residents with responsibility, stressing that accurate information is essential for effective response efforts and the development of lasting solutions.
While reaffirming the government’s respect for the constitutional right to freedom of expression and political participation, Wahab noted that such rights come with corresponding responsibilities and should be exercised within the bounds of the law.
He urged members of the public to verify information before sharing it online and to engage in public discourse with civility and a commitment to the collective interest of Lagos and its residents.
The commissioner also criticised the circulation of a photograph of flooding in Accra, Ghana, which was falsely presented as an incident in Lagos.
He described the act as misleading and disingenuous, warning that the spread of misinformation only confuses the public and undermines efforts to address genuine environmental challenges.
