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Chioma Okoli: Nigerians criticize Erisco Foods over tomato paste donation to Abia
The donation of cartons of Erisco tomato paste and seasoning cubes to the good people of Abia State by Erisco Foods Limited has been met with severe criticism by Nigerians.
Chronicle NG reports that Erisco Foods donated cartons of Erisco tomato paste and seasoning cubes to Abia State.
This was announced in a statement on the company’s official X page on Friday.
According to the statement, the donation is part of the company’s corporate responsibility to help cushion the effects of the rising prices of commodities in Nigeria.
Delivering the donations to the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Erisco Foods Limited, Chief Eric Umeofia, thank the governor and the good people of Abia State for their “unwavering support” of the brand.
The company and its CEO have in recent times been embroiled in controversy over the detention of Mrs. Chioma Okoli over her negative review of Erisco tomato paste.
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.
Reacting to the news of the donations, Comrade Olajide Ikujenyo berated the company, saying, “You guys are such a shameless brand. It would take you nothing to apologise to Chioma and drop the unnecessary PR, but no, you want to prove an illogical point.
“As they say, whoever the gods want to destroy, they first make mad. Continue your self-destruction spree.”
While many have alleged that the chairman of the company is trying to use the governor of Abia State to gain cheap popularity amid the Mrs. Okoli controversy, Michael Morah argues that “even our beloved Peter Obi cannot save you from this mess if you don’t do the right thing.
“Pride, they say, comes before a fall, and yours is eminent unless you swallow that pride and apologise to Chioma and the people of this great nation, if not no evidence for PR.”
“Lol. They went to meet our favourite governor like that would persuade the people’s grievances against them.
“Withdraw your lawsuit or suitcase against Chioma; thats the only way this will go away,” Adedoyin Darasimi stated.
Ijeoma, in her reaction, noted that, “If Mr. Eric likes, he should snap with Angel Gabriel. As long as he continues to oppress Chioma Okoli and her family, we will continue to call him and his company out.”
Calling for the company to stop the continuous prosecution of Mrs. Okoli, Kingsley Onwuanabile stated that “the rate at which this company has embraced PR recently is quite astonishing. It took your poor handling of Chioma’s case for you to make a move.
“Unfortunately, these moves will still turn out negative if you don’t let that woman be.”
Calling the company’s CEO wicked, N. Henry revealed that he has already started boycotting all products from the company.
Henry said, “Truth is, I was given your tin tomato in the market some days ago; you needed to see how I screamed at the seller. I ended up buying another brand. You can’t be wicked and expect people to buy your product, never!”
“We’ll not buy Erisco products; if you like, donate your entire fortune,” Adeyemi Adedotun wrote.
“Just a word of caution for those preparing to accept the free gift because of the terrible nature of the economy.
“You dare not give a negative review of Erisco products; if you dare, you’re playing with jail time.
“If they can bully someone who bought the tomato with her own money, imagine what will happen if someone who receives it freely gives a negative review.
“Gov. Alex Otti should give this caveat to his people so they know what they’re walking into with their two eyes open. Let the people make informed decisions,” Ajayi Samuel advised.
