“Obidients Should Be Neutral”: Economist Explains Why Chioma Okoli Should Apologise to Erisco CEO

• Amid the Erisco Food saga, an economist, Godson Moneke, has accused Chioma Okoli of “bad conduct”
• Chioma, a 39-year-old entrepreneur from Lagos state, is being prosecuted and sued for alleged cybercrime law offence
• As Chioma faces a legal battle, Moneke said “no amount of propaganda and social media braggadocio” would help her

TheTalk.NG journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public journalism.

Ikeja, Lagos state – A seasoned economist, Godson Moneke, has said that Chioma Okoli, a consumer who reviewed one of Erisco Food’s products, should be able to “discern between genuine activism and reckless behaviour”.

Moneke said Okoli’s actions lacked the rigour and objectivity expected of a product review, “displaying a disregard for the repercussions on a brand and its stakeholders”.

Chioma Okoli told to apologise to Erisco CEO. Photo credits: @IgboHistoFacts, Isaac ObasiSource: UGC

TheTalk.NG recalls that on September 17, 2023, Okoli made a post on Facebook stating that she tasted Nagiko Tomato Mix — one of the tomato paste variants of the firm — and found it sugary.

Reacting in a statement, Erisco Foods Limited described the claim as untrue and unfounded.

Okoli was later arrested by the police following a petition by Eric Umeofia, president and CEO of the company. Both parties have been in court since.

Moneke waded in and advised Obidients – a sobriquet for supporters of Peter Obi, a presidential hopeful – to be neutral.

The economist also asked Okoli to apologise to Erisco’s boss, Umeofia.

According to him:

“An apolitical matter which has to do with bad conduct by an uncultured and indisciplined married woman is being reduced to a partisan battle involving supporters of Mr Peter Obi widely known as Obidients who instead of staying neutral like other Nigerians decided to take sides with one of the parties. The impression should not be created that Obidients are a lawless lot.

“The CEO of Erisco is not into partisan politics but only a law-abiding citizen who is into local manufacturing.

“No amount of propaganda and social media braggadocio would help her unless she retraces her steps and tenders an unreserved apology to the parties she has hurt and lied against.”

Moneke added:

“Chioma is better advised to come down from her contrived high horse and plead for leniency, first from the Erisco CEO and then the Nigeria Police before it is too late. Denying a letter of apology which she freely wrote to the CEO of Erisco with the invented excuse that it was written under duress shows she is naturally a troublemaker, untrustworthy and untruthful. Duress by who? Proving duress is not as easy as the word sounds or is used.”

Read more about Erisco:

Erisco Foods’ legal battle with Chioma

Earlier, TheTalk.NG reported that the management of Erisco Foods sued Chioma for N5 billion for alleged damages over her review of one of its tomato pastes.

Erisco Foods’ founder, Umeofia, revealed the company’s plans.

Source: TheTalk.NG

1-Year-in-Office: Rivers Gov Fubara Brags, Says “My Achievements Beat Wike’s 8-Year Record”

There is a new twist regarding the crisis rocking Rivers state as Governor Sim Fubara hits at his predecessor Rivers state governor Fubara in his one-year-report card, has scored his government high above Nysom Wike’s administration Fubara maintained that Wike performed woefully in his eight years in government, noting that “so far, Rivers was below … Continue reading here ▶

2027 Presidency: Buhari’s Ex-Aide Reveals How Atiku, Peter Obi Will Work for Tinubu’s Re-Election

Lauretta Onochie, a former aide to ex-president Muhammadu Buhari, has identified one major factor that would lead to President Tinubu’s victory in 2027 Onochie maintained strongly that Tinubu’s re-election would be smooth considering Atiku’s and Peter Obi’s merger The APC chieftain made this revelation while reacting to Peter Obi and Atiku’s recent meeting in Abuja … Continue reading here ▶

“It’s Like Cowboy Removing Subsidy”: Babachir Lawal Explains How Nigeria Collapsed Under Tinubu

Babachir Lawal has heavily criticised the current government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he speaks on the current state of the nation The former SGF in a recent interview disclosed that revealed that Tinubu’s economic policies led to the current hardship Speaking further, Lawal, blamed Tinubu for the petrol subsidy removal, noting, that … Continue reading here ▶

1-Year-in-Office: Deji Adeyanju Lists 3 Best Govs, Northern Gov Occupies 1-3 Worst Positions

Deji Adeyanju, a lawyer and activist, has named the three best governors in Nigeria ahead of their one-year-in-office celebration Adeyanju named Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers and Umar Bago of Niger state as the best in the country so far According to Adeyanju, Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi state is the … Continue reading here ▶

“Labour in Pain in PDP or Atiku’s Running Mate?” Reno Omokri Lists 3 Options for Obi Ahead of 2027

At the moment, Peter Obi is faced with a strong decision to either remain in Labour Party or in the PDP Interestingly, speculations are rife regarding his possible exit from the LP following Obi’s current meeting with Atiku and other northern politicians However, Reno Omokri has listed options Obi can consider ahead of the 2027 … Continue reading here ▶