Womanifesto, a coalition of more than 300 women’s rights organisations, has called for the immediate release of Chioma Okoli and urged Nigerian women to boycott Erisco Foods products over what it described as her continued harassment, detention and persecution.
The coalition made the call in a statement signed by Ireti Bakare-Yusuf of Purple Woman Foundation, saying the campaign, tagged #BoycottErisco, was aimed at drawing attention to what it described as the prolonged stress, trauma and alleged human rights violations suffered by Okoli since September 2023.
Womanifesto listed five reasons for its call, including what it described as the continued harassment and detention of Okoli, the alleged loss of her pregnancy, loss of earnings and livelihood, concerns over her safety, and the repeated litigation she has faced for exercising her constitutional right to freedom of expression.
The coalition said the experience had subjected Okoli to “insufferable stress and trauma,” which it alleged had affected her ability to work and provide for her family.
It also expressed concern about what it described as an apparent threat to Okoli’s life, as well as what it called a “flagrant abuse” of her human rights.
‘Her freedom of expression must be protected’
Womanifesto said Okoli’s case raises important questions about the protection of freedom of expression in Nigeria, particularly citing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution.
According to the coalition, Okoli was being subjected to constant litigation for exercising her right to “freedom of speech and expression, including freedom to hold opinions, and to receive and impart information without interference.”
The women’s rights movement further expressed concern about whether Okoli would be able to obtain justice, citing what it described as Nigeria’s “reputation for compromised justice.”
Despite the challenges, Womanifesto commended Okoli for her courage and resilience.
“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 coalition said.
Womanifesto demands government investigation
The coalition also questioned the role of government agencies in investigating concerns relating to Erisco products and their labels.
It argued that in countries where citizens’ health and nutritional wellbeing are prioritised, relevant government agencies would take the lead in investigating products and their labelling rather than leaving such matters primarily in the hands of companies whose interests, it alleged, may be driven by profit.
Womanifesto therefore called for stronger government intervention, insisting that the issues raised by Okoli’s case extend beyond an individual dispute to broader concerns around women’s rights, freedom of expression, consumer protection, corporate accountability and public health.
The coalition urged Nigerian women to support the #BoycottErisco campaign while reaffirming its commitment to supporting Okoli in her quest for justice.
