Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party Gubernatorial Candidate for Lagos state in the recently concluded election, has stirred controversy by expressing his support for the military coup in Niger Republic. Rhodes-Vivour’s endorsement of the coup, shared on his Twitter account, has sparked outrage and disbelief due to its disregard for democratic principles, especially considering his recent participation in a democratic election.
In a surprising move, Rhodes-Vivour described the coup as a “movement that unites around a common interest.” This stance has raised eyebrows and fueled criticism, as it seemingly contradicts the foundational principles of democratic governance.
The public reaction to Rhodes-Vivour’s support for the coup has been swift and critical. Many individuals have expressed disappointment in his statement, highlighting the importance of upholding democratic values and condemning any form of unconstitutional change of government.
Amid the backlash, allegations have emerged suggesting that Rhodes-Vivour sourced his supporting video from propaganda accounts originating from Russia and Niger Republic. These claims have further intensified the controversy surrounding his stance on the coup.
This is not the first time Rhodes-Vivour has faced controversy. He has previously been accused of misrepresentation of events and sharing fake news. One notable instance includes his sharing of a photo depicting a seemingly smooth transportation system in Lagos amidst fuel subsidy removal, a portrayal that was widely criticized for not accurately reflecting the ground reality.
As the discussions surrounding Rhodes-Vivour’s support for the Niger Republic coup continue, many are questioning the compatibility of his stance with the values and principles of democratic governance, and whether it aligns with the expectations of those who participated in the democratic process during the Lagos state election.
