News

Chioma: Nigerians blast Erisco Foods, call for boycott of the product

Published

2 months ago

March 3, 2024

Chioma: Nigerians blast Erisco Foods, call for boycott of the product

A cross-section of concerned Nigerians has called for the local and international boycott of all products from Erisco Foods over the alleged continuous “witch hunting” and prosecution of Chioma Okoli by Chief Eric Umeofia, the founder of Erisco Foods Limited.

Erisco customer Mrs. Chioma Okoli, who gave a review of the tomato paste brand, was re-arrested on the orders of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, despite court orders.
Okoli was arrested around 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

She was previously arrested and detained in September 2023 over her review of a tomato product manufactured by Erisco Foods Limited.

Chioma Okoli, on September 17, 2023, made a post on her Facebook page, highlighting the high sugar content in the tomato mix and inviting her followers who might have used the same product to share their opinions. Her post reads:

“I went to buy tin tomatoes yesterday that I will use to make stew. I didn’t see Gino and Sonia, so I decided to buy this one (Nagiko). When I opened it, Omo! I decided to taste it. Sugar is just too much. Haa biko (please) let me know if you have used this tin tomato before because this is like gwuru (tiring) situation.”

A review that has since led to her incarceration has caused an uproar among Nigerians.

Reacting to Chioma’s situation, Lara Miles on X stated that “Erisco Fiasco highlights the negative mentality of top personalities and brands in Nigeria.

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“We just hate criticism as a people. Criticize a big person, and you get labeled “enemy of progress” or “bad belle. It’s why we never grow.”

In his reaction, Obehiegu Akhide argued that “Eriscoe Foods’ CEO is simply bullish and needs to understand that acts like this do not stand.

“Chioma has done nothing wrong. He can make claims about others, but others can’t make claims about him or his products.

“Why do I need a NAFDAC report to confirm my review of a product that I consume? Nigeria Police, Una useless die.”

Edu Ojoi noted that following Chioma’s arrest, his family had boycotted all Erisco Foods products.

“We have already boycotted it right from day one in our house. The MD arrested her. I no longer buy it as a gift to people I do give in every celebrating season. My supplier kept begging.”

While George Inimfoh urged Nigerians to “give me a list of their products; even if it’s that which I had at home, I’m going to pour it and burn the container,” Nzubechi on X stated that “I have boycotted them since last year.”

He added that he “can’t patronize an abuser.”

Another X user, Edidiong Otton, said, “I already told my wife she shouldn’t buy any of their company products.”

Calling the CEO of Erisco Foods “an evil man,” Jasper Izuchukwu stated, “as for me and my family, we are done with Erisco products.”

Another Nigerian identified as Obrian the Great argued that “the fact I know about Erisco foods from this debacle shows the product is not for me.

“How the man is addressing the issue seems to indicate he has no case against her. Intimidating her is all he has done since. A lawless country indeed.”

For Mez Unic Nwapa, she noted that “Seeing the owner on TV swear that he would rather die than not see the lady go to prison is a low moment for me and a very bad PR for the company.”

Chioma: Nigerians blast Erisco Foods, call for boycott of the product

News

NSCDC commandant convicted for employment scam as EFCC probes N7.5bn fraud allegations

Published

1 hour ago

May 9, 2024

Trends Admin

NSCDC commandant convicted for employment scam as EFCC probes N7.5bn fraud allegations

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has successfully prosecuted Mr. Christopher Oluchukwu, a commandant within the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), for his involvement in an employment scam, according to a statement by the anti-graft agency’s spokesperson, Demola Bakare, on Thursday.

Oluchukwu was convicted by the Katsina State High Court 3 after being accused of receiving significant sums from individuals under the pretence of securing jobs for their children within the NSCDC. Despite failing to fulfil his promises, he refused to refund the money to the victims.

The court found Oluchukwu guilty on all nine counts and sentenced him to five years imprisonment without the option of a fine. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently, and the judge directed that Oluchukwu’s sureties be arrested and detained for further investigation, as he had jumped bail.

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Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a probe into allegations of a N7.5 billion fraud involving ten senior officers of the NSCDC, including Commandant General Ahmed Audi. The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, wrote to Audi, inviting the officers for questioning, with the investigation scheduled to commence from May 2, 2024.

The fraud, allegedly involving several contractors and money laundering through Bureau de Change operators, is under investigation by the EFCC.

This development underscores the ongoing efforts to combat corruption within government agencies and ensure accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s public service sector.

NSCDC commandant convicted for employment scam as EFCC probes N7.5bn fraud allegations

News

Tinubu gives new appointment to Minister of State for Petroleum

Published

2 hours ago

May 9, 2024

Trends Admin

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo

Tinubu gives new appointment to Minister of State for Petroleum

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, as the co-chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

This is contained in a terse statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Thursday.

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It reads: “In line with his avowed commitment to establish a more efficient, targeted, and consistent approval process for unique oil and gas projects in the country, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), as the Co-Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

This is also to further ensure effective oversight of the gas aspect of the nation’s assets.

The President remains committed to unlocking Nigeria’s immense gas potential to stimulate industrial development, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.”

Tinubu gives new appointment to Minister of State for Petroleum

News

Senate okays death penalty for drug traffickers

Published

3 hours ago

May 9, 2024

Trends Admin

Senate okays death penalty for drug traffickers

The Senate on Thursday passed a bill that upgraded the maximum sentence of life imprisonment to the death penalty for drug traffickers in the country amidst controversy over the voice votes.

The death sentence as a penalty for drug traffickers passed through the third reading, the 2024 NDLEA Act (Amendment) Bill.

The proposal was adopted when the Senate dissolved into a committee of the whole for clause-by-clause consideration of a report of the Chairman of the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters and Drugs & Narcotics National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Senator Tahir Munguno.

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In a review of the penalty provisions of the amendment bill towards strengthening the operations of the agency, a proposed amendment to award a death sentence to drug traffickers rather than just a life sentence was raised by the Senate Chief Whip and Sen. Peter Nwebonyi Under clause 11.

When the matter was put to a voice vote, it appeared the nays had it. However, when the question was put on a second vote, the Deputy Senate President ruled in favor of the i’s. A slight uproar ensued as some lawmakers were displeased.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole expressed his displeasure over what he considered a hasty consideration and passage of the amended clause.

The Deputy Senate President rejected an objection by Senator Oshiomhole to reverse the ruling, insisting that it came late which is against the rules.