More than 300 women’s groups in Nigeria, coming together as Womanifesto, have called for a prompt boycott of Erisco Foods items.
This response to the situation is the outcome of Chioma Okoli’s ongoing imprisonment due to her Facebook post criticizing the company’s tomato paste.
Chioma Okoli stood trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja on May 28, 2024, accused of conspiracy and cyberstalking.
Despite her plea of not guilty, she was remanded at Suleja Correctional Centre until her bail hearing on May 31, 2024.
A coalition of women’s organizations, such as WARDC, Amnesty International Nigeria, and the Bring Back Our Girls campaign, jointly denounced the treatment of Okoli in a statement released on Friday.
They cited the “insufferable stress and trauma” inflicted on her, which resulted in the loss of her pregnancy, and her subsequent loss of earnings and livelihood.
“We call on all Nigerian women to join us to #BoycottErisco products with immediate effect,” the statement reads. “The continued harassment & detention of Chioma Okoli… for exercising her ‘freedom of speech and expression’ as granted under section 39 of the 1999 Nigerian constitution is unacceptable.”
The groups criticized the government for its lack of response, emphasizing that in other countries, regulatory bodies would investigate the safety and labeling of Erisco Foods products. Instead, they argue, the issue is being left to those who prioritize profit over the well-being of Nigerians.
The women’s organizations are urging the Nigerian government to intervene and ensure justice for Okoli, highlighting concerns over the country’s compromised justice system.
“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,” the statement concludes.
