The Lagos State Government has threatened legal action against an X user accused of sharing a misleading flood video that was falsely linked to the state.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this disclosure in a series of posts on X on Tuesday, emphasizing that deleting the post after it had been debunked would not protect the individual from legal consequences.
Wahab wrote, “Taking down the post after misleading the public does not absolve you of the responsibility. Appropriate legal action will still be pursued, and this matter will be taken to its logical conclusion in accordance with the law.”
Wahab also dismissed claims that the video shared by the user, popularly known as “Enugu Loudspeaker (#Jamessucre2),” originated from Lagos.
“The flood video you shared and attributed to Lagos State is actually from Bangladesh. We kindly encourage you to verify the authenticity and origin of such content before sharing it, as the dissemination of inaccurate information can mislead the public and undermine genuine discussions about issues affecting Lagos,” he said.
According to the commissioner, while the government respected citizens’ right to freedom of expression, such rights must be exercised responsibly.
He added that “the deliberate dissemination of false information and misleading narratives not only undermines the efforts of the Lagos State Government but also diminishes the credibility of genuine complaints raised by well-meaning residents.”
Following clarification and legal threats against him, the X user admitted that the video did not originate from Nigeria and deleted the post.
He wrote, “It’s been confirmed to have happened outside the country. The post has been taken down.”
However, despite his compliance and retraction of the said video, the Lagos State Government insists that it would proceed with legal action over the dissemination of the false information.
Angry User Reacts
Following the commissioner’s remarks and legal threats, an X user identified as Anambra 1st son has vowed to continue posting clips of flooded parts of Lagos. In a clip shared on Tuesday morning, he said, “This is Marina, Lagos Island! Look at the flood. I will post more of this!”
In a separate tweet, he said, “Someone should tag Tokunbo Ronu Rascal to this Flooded Lagos video. He should prepare for more lawsuits.”
Meanwhile other residents have seized the opportunity to express displeasure and dissatisfaction over Tokunbo Wahab’s tenure as commissioner for environment.
A user @tunde liade said, ‘The level of environmental deterioration experienced under your watch is quite monumental. With the amount of work needed to restore the state is huge so I’m quite surprised you still have time for pettiness. When in real time people are suffering
Another user @HeartofGod wrote, “People are going through it with the flood but is fake news that’s top on your list lol”
@Ayoks said,” If you devoted more time thinking of how to improve the environment rather than looking for who to oppress and arrest, perhaps the environment won’t be this much of a disaster”.
Backstory…
The Lagos State Government’s legal action comes amid heightened public anxiety over flooding following weeks of heavy rainfall across the state. In recent months, several parts of Lagos, including Lekki, Ajah, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Agege, Alimosho and parts of the Mainland, have experienced flash floods that submerged roads, disrupted traffic and damaged homes and businesses.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Lagos State Government have repeatedly issued flood alerts, warning residents in low-lying and coastal communities to prepare for above-normal rainfall and possible flooding during the peak of the rainy season.
Read Also: Heavy Flooding Submerges Homes, Knocks Out Power Across Parts of Lagos
