Reports have emerged of fraudulent individuals creating false social media accounts in the name of Cross River State Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, in an attempt to deceive the public. The deputy governor’s Press Secretary, Fred Abua, has raised an alarm regarding this issue, revealing that impostors have been using these fake accounts to carry out scams.
Abua made it clear that the deputy governor does not have a Twitter account, debunking any posts or statements attributed to Odey on that platform. He emphasized that the fraudulent activities orchestrated by these impostors are a cause for concern, indicating that despite issuing disclaimers, the perpetrators continue to establish new social media accounts impersonating high-profile personalities with the sole intention of defrauding unsuspecting individuals.
Addressing a specific report in a national newspaper quoting Odey as expressing support for the suspended minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, in relation to the N585 million saga, Abua vehemently denied the deputy governor’s involvement. He stated that Odey could not have made any public statement on the matter, especially considering that the state government had not formalized its stance on the issue.
The fabricated post on X attributed to Odey, which purportedly expressed solidarity with Dr. Betta Edu, was revealed to be entirely fake, with the deputy governor asserting his absence on the mentioned social media platform. The deceitful message in question conveyed unwavering support for Edu and faith in a thorough investigation by the President, signifying the depth of the fraudulent activities perpetrated through these false accounts.
In light of these events, it is imperative for the public to exercise caution and vigilance regarding social media content attributed to public figures. The actions of these fraudsters not only jeopardize the reputation of genuine personalities but also pose a significant threat to unsuspecting individuals who may fall victim to their deceptive schemes. The diligence of the deputy governor’s office in addressing this issue serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against online deception and the importance of verifying information from credible sources.
As the prevalence of online fraud continues to escalate, the urgent need for stringent measures to combat such illicit activities becomes increasingly evident. The case of Cross River State serves as a poignant example underscoring the necessity for robust safeguards to protect individuals from falling prey to online scams.
