The Lagos State Government has accused certain individuals of politicising flooding in the state by sharing misleading images allegedly sourced from other states and countries.
It warned that the circulation of false visuals distorts public perception and undermines ongoing efforts to tackle real environmental challenges.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Sunday, urging bloggers, influencers and other stakeholders to fact-check information before publishing or sharing it.
Wahab said the government had noticed efforts by some persons to promote what he described as a “destructive narrative” by falsely linking flood incidents outside Lagos to the state.
“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,” he said.
He added that the state government actively monitors flood-related reports and responds to complaints received through various communication channels.
“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.
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The commissioner appealed for responsible communication and urged residents to support the government with accurate information to enable effective solutions.
“Accurate information is essential to addressing challenges effectively and developing lasting solutions,” he said.
While acknowledging citizens’ right to free expression, Wahab stressed that it must be exercised responsibly and within legal boundaries.
“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,” he added.
Wahab also called out an X user identified as @Hhonor_, also known as Nedu, accusing the user of sharing a photo of flooding in Accra, Ghana, while presenting it as an incident in Lagos.
“Using your handle to spread misinformation by sharing a photograph of the Accra flood and presenting it as an incident in Lagos is both disingenuous and misleading.
“We encourage you to verify information before sharing it, as the dissemination of falsehoods only misleads the public and undermines genuine efforts to address real issues,” Wahab said.