Gubernatorial aspirant, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, representing the Labour Party in the 2023 general election for Lagos State, has raised concerns about the state’s ability to evolve into a global financial hub. He attributes the hindrance to alleged cronyism within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Rhodes-Vivour took aim at Governor Sanwolu’s efforts to attract investors in London, criticizing them as “underwhelming, dishonest, and incoherent.” He pointed to the dismantling of a $10 million tech investment intended to revolutionize bike-hailing services in Lagos as evidence of conflicting policies within the state government.
He emphasized the critical role of young Nigerians in driving the success of the tech ecosystem and expressed disappointment that a significant portion of Nigerian startups are formally incorporated in the United States, rather than in Lagos.
Further elaborating on the contradiction between the governor’s ambitions and the state’s implemented policies, Rhodes-Vivour alleged that over the past 23 years, the APC administration has pursued policies that hinder the city’s potential for growth.
The gubernatorial aspirant accused the state government of corrupt practices in its investment in critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, housing, and waterways, attributing these issues to cronyism and corruption.
Highlighting the need for an independent judiciary, Rhodes-Vivour criticized the state government’s resistance to financial autonomy for the judiciary, pointing out that a lack of judicial independence could deter serious investors from investing in the Lagos economy.
Expressing his concern for the future of Lagos, Rhodes-Vivour stated, “While Lagos has the potential to rival other major global financial hubs in the next two decades, it will remain a shadow of itself if led by administrators who lack the vision, competence, and character required to see it through.”
