Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has accused social media influencers and bloggers of deliberately circulating misleading and recycled flood images from other countries, including Ghana, to create a destructive narrative about flooding in Lagos. He urged residents to verify information before sharing, emphasizing that such misinformation undermines genuine efforts to address real environmental challenges.
Misleading Visuals Distract from Real Issues
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, Wahab stated that some individuals have politicised flooding in Lagos by sharing visuals from other states and countries that experienced severe flooding. He said this practice distracts from genuine environmental issues the government is working to tackle. The commissioner specifically called out X user @Hhonor_ (Nedu) for posting a photo of flooding in Accra, Ghana, with the caption “Tinubu built Lagos,” implying the image was from Lagos.
“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 said.
Government Monitors Genuine Complaints
Wahab insisted that the government does not ignore genuine complaints. He noted that reports shared by residents across various platforms are systematically monitored and acted upon. Despite the online back-and-forth, the Ministry of Environment maintains that genuine reports from residents receive attention and intervention.
“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,” Wahab stated.
Call for Responsible Discourse
The commissioner reminded residents that while everyone has the constitutional right to express themselves, such freedom should be exercised responsibly. He urged restraint, verification of information before sharing, and public discourse conducted with civility and respect for the collective interest of Lagos and its residents.
“Accurate information is essential to addressing challenges effectively and developing lasting solutions,” he added. “We therefore urge everyone to exercise restraint, verify information before sharing it, and conduct public discourse with responsibility, civility, and respect for the collective interest of Lagos and its residents.”
Reactions and Ongoing Flooding Issues
The development has sparked conversations online, with many Nigerians arguing that while fake images should not be used to score political points, genuine flooding problems in parts of Lagos also deserve serious attention and long-term solutions. Lagos continues to experience heavy rainfall, with residents complaining about flooded roads, blocked drainage channels, and traffic caused by downpours.
Wahab’s comments come as flooding remains a recurring issue during the rainy season in various parts of the state. The commissioner reiterated that spreading false information makes it harder to focus on real cases needing urgent intervention.
