By Asuquo Cletus
The Cross River State Government has debunked recent social media claims made by one activist Ogenye Bernard Odey, describing them as unfounded, inflammatory, and damaging to the reputation of the state and its people.
Odey, in a widely circulated online post, alleged that prostitution had been “legalised” in Calabar and went on to claim that 87% of women in the city are engaged in the trade.
The claims sparked outrage among citizens and drew the attention of the state government, which issued a firm rebuttal through the office of the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Linus Obogo.
In the official statement, Obogo condemned the post as “reckless slander parading as activism,” and described Odey as “a public embarrassment in need of attention.” He further stated that the activist’s outburst was not rooted in fact but in “ignorance, paranoia, and a desperate desire for relevance.”
“The Cross River State Government takes strong exception to this irresponsible and derogatory narrative, to suggest that prostitution has been legalised in Calabar without a shred of evidence is not only false but morally dishonest and socially destructive.”-the statement reads
Obogo also defended the women of Cross River State, calling Odey’s remarks a disgraceful insult to their dignity and contributions. “These claims are not only fictitious; they are a calculated assault on the integrity of our women who are, in fact, among the most enterprising and respectable in the country.”
The government also addressed another explosive claim by Odey, that government vehicles were being used to patronize prostitutes. The state described this as an “unhinged accusation” and challenged the activist to provide credible evidence or cease spreading falsehoods.
Obogo said Governor Edet Otu remains committed to repositioning Cross River State for sustainable growth, peace, and prosperity, and will not be distracted by what he called “the rantings of a social media jester armed with a cracked megaphone.”
The government’s response concluded with a warning to the public to remain vigilant against misinformation and to reject voices that seek to tarnish the image of the state for personal gain or political mischief.
“Odey does not represent the voice of Cross River. He represents a misguided attempt at activism, steeped in sensationalism and devoid of credibility,” Obogo said.
