It’s always easy to distance ourselves from the sufferings and tribulations of others when it does not affect us remotely or otherwise and that in itself is not bad, its just self preservation. While on the surface it speaks of selfishness and a lack of empathy for others, it bellies a much deeper shortcoming – the erosion of one’s humanity.
The case of Chioma Okoli (aka Chioma Egodi) and her now famous Facebook post reviewing the Nagiko Tomato paste that has lingered on for months since September 2023 is a cause for concern. Now back in court, Chioma faces criminal charges brought against her by Erisco Foods Ltd, makers of the tomato paste the Facebook post mentioned. On Tuesday May 28, she was remanded in custody in Abuja after she pleaded not guilty to the charges and was subsequently granted bail after the conditions were met on Friday May 31. The court has fixed June 13 for the continuation of the trial.
While there have been many sides to the story for and against the actions of the company and that of Chioma herself, the obvious use of influence, intimidation and proximity to law enforcement by the company is now a cause of concern that should worry every potential customer. The company is suing Chioma under the Cybercrime Act of 2015 on charges of conspiracy, cyberstalking and defamation.
This is a missed opportunity for a good corporate strategy to leverage existing media attention to do better by their consumers and the public rather than this torrential rain of intimidation and bullying of one customer. There are no winners here, rather it is another demonstration of how lopsided and warped our justice and law enforcement has become.
Unfortunately, the Cybercrimes Act is now proving to be an instrument of oppression that our elites, powerful and well-connected individuals flaunt to intimidate the everyday Nigerian and soon, there will be none of us left. This is not the first time the Act will be used to intimidate Nigerians to send a loud and clear message. Politicians and public officials now take advantage of the Act at will to douse dissent. This Chioma vs Erisco case is akin to killing a mosquito with a hammer – it is a dangerous trend that will eventually make the masses preys of the rich and powerful.
Preys of the Mighty
In ecosystems, whether political, economic, or social contexts, stronger entities dominate the weak for their survival. In the animal world, top predators prey on other animals, maintaining the balance of the environment while in social hierarchies, powerful individuals or groups exploit or dominate less powerful ones. In this case, there is no balance, only subjugation and gross injustice.
Similarly, in literature and mythology, stories and myths abound where mighty heroes or gods conquer foes or monsters, often reflecting themes of power, control, and survival. Historically, powerful empires and nations often expanded their influence by conquering and subjugating weaker territories and peoples leaving in their wake tears and destruction. In countries ruled by dictators or autocratic leaders, the ruling elite often prey on the general populace, suppressing dissent and maintaining power through fear and coercion.
In many political systems, especially in developing countries, powerful politicians and their networks often prey on public resources for personal gain. This can lead to corruption, where public funds and law enforcement apparatus are diverted or deployed to a select few at the expense of the general population.
Large multinational corporations often dominate markets and exploit labour in developing countries. The wealthy elite often benefit from economic policies and systems that keep them at the top, while the poor and middle-class struggle to improve their economic standing. These corporations with significant market power can stifle competition, control prices, and limit consumer choice, effectively preying on smaller businesses and consumers.
Friends in High Places
In a rather unusual twist, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) waded into the matter in 2023 and helped secure the release of Chioma but the company criticised the move as interference during the term of Mr. Babtunde Irukera, the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission. Sadly, there has been no publicly documented evidence that the Commission has shown further interest in the case to ensure consumer protection and justice.
The ongoing controversy had also prompted scrutiny of the product’s registration, leading the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to confirm Erisco Foods’ Nagiko Tomato Mix’s registration in 2021. NAFDAC also confirmed that the product indeed contained sugar as part of its formulation and that it was safe for consumption.
Karl Marx’s theory of class struggle highlights how the bourgeoisie exploit the proletariat leading to social and economic inequalities. It provides insight into human societal, the complex dynamics of power, exploitation, and inequality. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive efforts in policymaking, education, and social reform to create more equitable and just societies.
The chairman of the company himself stated that he had petitioned powerful personalities and public officials regarding the case including the President, Chief Justice of the Federation, Department of State Services, the Inspector General of Police and many others clearly showing the connections he wields. Hopefully, justice will be served.
Who is Next?
What is scary about Chioma Okoli’s case is that it could happen to anyone of us at any time. What is even scarier is the way and manner in which the police have deployed resources to arrest and prosecute this case against an ordinary model citizen. It would be great to see similar enthusiasm and urgency in the arrest and prosecution of other well placed and connected Nigerians who commit even more heinous crimes of terrorism and decimation of our collective wealth.
Time will tell if the police will be arresting and prosecuting every Nigerian who negatively reviews coca cola, suya and jollof rice? Can the “Mai Shayi” on the street call on the police to arrest and fly to Abuja anyone who makes “defamatory” statements against his brew? Hypothetically, if this were to happen, there will be no space in the courts or police stations to take on such cases.
We are courting a dangerous trend and setting a destructive precedence where laws are interpreted, twisted and employed to oppress citizens just to suit the whims and caprices of the rich and powerful. Civil society organizations, the media, legislature, men and women of goodwill should be alarmed when such injustices that try to bully consumers into silence happen. Thankfully, individuals and groups including more than 300 women’s rights activists under the aegis of Womanifesto, Enough is Enough, Ireti Bakare-Yusuf, Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie and many others have taken to social media and also staged protests against the continued intimidation of Chioma Okoli.
While many of us may not give much thought to this situation because it does not concern us, we should be reminded by Martin Niemöller’s poem that sooner than later, it will: “First they came for the Communists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist. Then they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.”
