By Frank Ulom
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, Mr Emmanuel Ogbeche, has said the Governor is not seeking any financial assistance whatsoever.
Recall that during the 2019 and 2023 general elections, politicians were coming out to claim that citizens bought interest forms for them. Some even solicited funds to buy interest forms to run for offices.
The case is different as elections have come and gone, and Otu may not have any reason(s) to solicit funds from the public.
In a press release by Ogbeche on Sunday, unsolicited messages were sent to unsuspecting individuals from Governor Otu’s phone number seeking financial aid.
The statement said the Governor’s phone number was hacked by hi-tech criminals on 11 February 2024, and has since been secured.
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“There have been apprehension in many quarters over unsolicited messages allegedly from Governor Bassey Otu seeking financial assistance.
“The public is pleased advised to disregard any such messages purportedly from the Governor.
“One of the Governor’s mobile numbers was breached by hi-tech criminals in the early hours of Sunday, February 11, 2024.
“The hackers have gone on to utilise the breached number to advance their nefarious activities to try to scam unsuspecting individuals. Please, do not fall to such devious attempt.
“The hacked number has been secured, while relevant security agencies are working to apprehend those behind this obnoxious act,” the statement read.
Hacking phone numbers and or social media accounts is more common nowadays despite tech giants’ efforts to put an end to it.