Lagos govt accuses influencers of circulating false flood images

The Lagos State Government has accused some individuals of deliberately spreading misleading images of floods from other countries to create a "destructive narrative" about the state's environmental challenges. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, stated on his X handle that while the government monitors and responds to genuine flood issues, some bloggers and social media influencers are "disseminating false or misleading information solely to generate clicks and engagement."

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We have watched with concern as some individuals have chosen to politicise the issue of flooding in Lagos by circulating misleading visuals from other states and countries that have experienced severe flooding, all in an attempt to advance a destructive narrative.

Wahab highlighted a specific instance where an X user allegedly posted a photograph of flooding in Accra, Ghana, and presented it as an incident in Lagos, with a caption that read "Tinubu built Lagos." The commissioner described this act as "disingenuous and misleading," emphasizing that such actions undermine efforts to address real concerns of residents and property owners.

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However, it is deeply concerning that some bloggers and social media influencers deliberately disseminate false or misleading information solely to generate clicks and engagement, with little regard for the genuine concerns of residents and property owners whose cases deserve urgent attention and intervention.

The government stressed that accurate information is crucial for developing lasting solutions to environmental challenges. Wahab appealed to residents and stakeholders to approach issues with responsibility and sensitivity, urging them to verify information before sharing and to conduct public discourse with civility. While acknowledging the constitutional right to freedom of expression, the government cautioned that this right must be exercised responsibly and within legal boundaries.

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Accurate information is essential to addressing challenges effectively and developing lasting solutions.