The Lagos State Government has warned of legal action against an X user for allegedly posting a deceptive flood video incorrectly linked to the state.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, revealed this through multiple posts on X on Tuesday, emphasizing that removing the post after it was refuted would not protect the user from legal repercussions.
“Removing the post after deceiving the public does not free you from accountability. Suitable legal measures will still be taken, and this issue will reach its logical resolution in line with the law,” Wahab stated.
The commissioner stated that the video posted by the user, widely referred to as “Enugu Loudspeaker (#Jamessucre2),” did not come from Lagos.
“The flood video you posted and linked to Lagos State actually originates from Bangladesh. We urge you to check the legitimacy and source of such material prior to sharing it, as spreading false information can confuse the public and hinder real conversations about matters concerning Lagos,” he stated.
Wahab emphasized that although the government honors citizens’ right to express themselves freely, this freedom should be exercised with responsibility.
“Although we recognize and honor each person’s right to express themselves, it is crucial to acknowledge that every right is accompanied by related responsibilities and legal boundaries,” he stated.
He stated that “the intentional spreading of false information and deceptive narratives not only weakens the initiatives of the Lagos State Government but also reduces the trustworthiness of legitimate concerns expressed by well-meaning citizens.”
After the government’s clarification, the X user acknowledged that the video did not come from Nigeria and removed the post.
“It has been verified that it occurred abroad. The post has been removed,” the user stated.
Notwithstanding the retraction, the Lagos State Government asserted that it would continue with legal action regarding the spread of the inaccurate information.
