A coalition comprising more than 300 women’s organizations, known as Womanifesto, is urging Nigerian women to boycott all products from Erisco Foods Limited immediately.
The call stems from the ongoing imprisonment of Chioma Okoli, a reviewer of tomato paste, following a complaint by Eric Omeofia, the CEO of Erisco Foods, in 2023.
Omeofia alleged that Okoli’s negative review, in which she claimed that the Nagiko Tomato Mix she purchased contained excessive sugar, had a detrimental impact on his business. Subsequently, Okoli was arrested by the police in September 2023. Her lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, raised concerns about her fundamental rights being violated by both the police and Omeofia.
Okoli is facing charges of conspiracy and cyberstalking. She pleaded not guilty during her arraignment before Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja and has been remanded in the Suleja Correctional Centre pending the ruling on her bail application, scheduled for Friday, May 31, 2024.
Effiong, representing Okoli, informed the court that his client suffered a miscarriage during the proceedings and tragically lost her baby.
Womanifesto, represented by Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, the Executive Director of the Women Advocates and Research Documentation Centre (WARDC), alongside other signatories from over 300 women’s organizations, has also called on the government to intervene on behalf of Chioma Okoli.
They emphasize that the government’s silence indicates a disregard for consumers’ rights to express their opinions about products they purchase with their hard-earned money.
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Signatories to the statement include prominent figures like Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, as well as organizations such as Women Aid Collective (WACOL), ActionAid Nigeria, Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, Christian Women in Nigerian Politics, Christian Association of Nigeria, Women’s Wing (WOWICAN), 100 Women Lobby Group (100WLG), Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Women In Politics Forum (WiPF), Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NTWF), and Nasrul – Lahi-L- Faith Society (NASFAT).
The statement titled, “Womanifesto Demands Release of Chioma Okoli”, reads: “We call on all Nigerian women to join us to #BoycottErisco products with immediate effect, for the following reasons:
“The continued harassment & detention of Chioma Okoli. The insufferable stress and trauma that has been inflicted on Chioma Okoli since September 2023 to date, which has also led to the loss of her pregnancy.
“Loss of earnings and livelihood due to her inability to work and provide for her family as a direct consequence of the ongoing persecution and psychological molestation.
“The apparent risk and threat to her life and flagrant abuse of her human rights.
“For being subjected to constant litigation for exercising her freedom of speech and expression, including freedom to hold opinions, and to receive and impart information without interference as granted to her under section 39 of the 1999 Nigerian constitution.
“We are concerned about her ability to get justice in a country with a reputation for compromised justice.
“We salute Chioma’s continued courage, bravery and tenacity in the face of intimidation and threats. We will continue to support her quest for justice.
“It is worthy to note that in other countries where the health and nutritional well-being of the citizens are paramount, relevant government agencies would be at the forefront of the investigations into all Erisco products and the corresponding labels, instead of leaving this landmark issue in the hands of those who prioritise profit to the lives and general well-being of 200 million Nigerians.
“We call on the government to come to the aid of Chioma as your silence is deafening; loudly telling us that we the consumers cannot voice our opinions about goods we purchase with our hard earned money. Is it silence or suffer?
Like it or be locked up? Purchase tomato paste, next stop prison. #ReleaseChiomanow!”
(Arise TV)
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