By Augustine Akhilomen

Lagosians have criticised the decision of State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to appeal to Nigerians to donate funds to assist the victims of Sunday’s explosion at Abule-Ado area in Amuwo Odofin.

The Governor, during his visit to the explosion scene on Monday with the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and some members of the State Executive Council, announced a N2billion Relief Fund for the victims.

He announced that the State Government was kick starting the fund with N250million, with an appeal on residents to contribute to the fund.

Sanwo-Olu in his remarks, described the level destruction in Abule Ado and Ado Soba as “monumental”, saying the resources to be appropriated in helping the victims to rebuild their lives were beyond what a single Government could undertake on its own.

He said: “The process of rebuilding this place is beyond what the Government, either at the national level or state, can also undertake on its own. Given the level of destruction, I am immediately setting up what I have called an Abule Ado/Ado Soba Emergency Relief Fund. It is a N2 billion relief fund and the state government will immediately be putting N250 million in that fund.

Three banks have opened accounts for the Fund.

“Setting up this Fund is to give everybody the opportunity to be part of rebuilding this place and to be able to donate into it.

The utilisation of funds, which will be headed by the Deputy Governor, will also be part of the responsibility that the fact-finding committee will be saddled with. To show our commitment to helping the victims recover, we have three bank account numbers already.

“Polaris Bank with the account number 4030017510, and name Abule Ado Emergency Relief Fund. Also, Zenith Bank, with the same account name the account number 1017184516 and Guaranty Trust (GT) Bank, with account number 0568615688. Well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations that wish to support us on this journey have any of these three banks to donate.”

The relief funds, Sanwo-Olu said, would help the Lagos Government to offset the victims’ medical bills and re-settle displaced people before rebuilding activities start.

The governor also said he would later meet with President Buhari to brief him on the incident, stressing that Lagos required the cooperation and support of the Federal Government in dealing with the situation.

But some residents disapproved of the move to set up what they described as a ‘Go-fund-me” account, noting that the State Government was buoyant enough to cater for the victims rather than resort to public aid.

On micro blogging site, twitter, residents criticised the move, calling on the governor to utilize tax payers’ money to resettle the victims.

@Usmanashafe wrote, “Lagos State government chaired by Babajide Sanwoolu is asking people of Lagos State to go and donate into a GoFundMe account for the victims of Abule Ado. But look at this picture below…….. Tinubu, Billions, Bullion van, EFCC, Silent. Nigeria is a parody country”.

@mista_verse also wrote: After watching that Sanwoolu’s video where he started giving out account numbers to Anon. I have come to the conclusion that Baba is running this state on pure vibe. Na cruise we dey so.”

@ladytoluu also reacted: “Why is Sanwoolu asking for Lagosians’ help? He blatantly refused to have a conversation with these same people as regards the new transportation model and the ban placed on motorcycles and tricycles in many areas. So what changed?”

See other reactions below:

@Mikko110011 Well I just left the group chat. WTF The Gov asking for donations like who else went to check if it’s fake account or nah the thing surprise me ooo

HIM. Mr. Ola I would have contributed mine but my transport cost has gone up 300% ever since you banned keke and okada in Lagos state. Thank you sir.

@ToluAdekolu·The government shouldn’t be asking for donations. This is nonsense. We pay taxes!!!
NGOs may do so but not the state government.

@RotimyRudeBoi This state has taken jobs from people and constantly makes life difficult for entrepreneurs,are these the same people y’all want donations from? LOL

@lesliewisdom Call your Bullion Van Godfather to ur rescue…..selah

@MichaelOnyegide Lekki toll gate people can contribute another 250m, I have contributed mine.

@architectsunepa What about money gotten from toll fee? NURTW collections and also several taxes imposed on the citizens.

@kenstine Tinubu can donate any amount needed. Is that not what godfather of a state is for? For the fact that he owns Lagos State, he should foot the bill. He should now give back to those he has taken too much from.

@OchuRasheed They have money in store and they are demanding from the citizens they have imperovished again..arrghh!!! Why are these people heartless? His father “Tinubu” would give out N5B in a blink of an eye, he should go meet him.

@Ody_johnson Money from Lekki Toll gate and Ikoyi link bridge toll plus all the money Mc Oluomo boys collect will raise the money in one day.