A message which was posted on popular social media portal, Facebook and credited to the Lagos state governor Babatunde Fashola, has been denied by the state government which has come out to say it was fake, Punch reports.
The said message, which called on interested parties of seek soft loans for agro and commercial business development had read: “Disbursement of Subsidy Dividend (SURE-P)… Subsidy proceed is available for agro and commercial business…Apply for soft loan with no collateral, zero per cent interest rate and flexible terms.”
Denying the claims via a statement signed by Hakeem Bello, the special adviser to governor Fashola on media said the office of the governor never issued the message, adding that the Lagos state government does not conduct affairs on Facebook, saying the attempt was made by fraudsters to defraud Lagosians, warning Nigerians to be wary of such fraudulent messages.
Parts of Bello’s statement read: “Some unscrupulous persons are using the photographs of Governor Babatunde Fashola, and ascribing fictitious statements to him on fake Facebook accounts aimed at defrauding innocent citizens. Lagosians are urged to be wary of such scams.
“The call became necessary in view of the activities of scammers who have been issuing out series of Facebook comments and information in the name of the governor with the intention of duping unsuspecting members of the public.
“Some conmen have, through Facebook, been urging citizens to apply for some existing government utilities meant to benefit the public.
“One of such information was titled, ‘Disbursement of Subsidy Dividend (SURE-P)’, purported to have been issued by the governor is informing ‘citizens that subsidy proceed is available for agro and commercial business’, and asking them to ‘apply for soft loans with no collateral, zero per cent interest rate and flexible terms’.
“Government business such as home ownership by mortgage and pilgrimages are conducted on the authentic websites and other social media outlets managed by agencies of the state government.”
