A Nigerian has called for the disruption of a solidarity walk for Chioma Okoli, the embattled Erisco tomato critic.
In a statement on X on Sunday, a Nigerian simply identified as Ewatomi (@Oduduwaback) urged Lagosians to beat up all those who join the solidarity walk.
A solidarity walk tagged #ISTANDWITHCHIOMAOKOLI has been announced to take place on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.
The solidarity walk comes on the heels of the ‘continuous prosecution of Chioma by the Nigerian Police and Erisco Foods.’
The solidarity walk is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. and is to set off from Kadiri Street, off Oregun Road, Ikeja, Lagos State.
Reacting to the announcement, Ewatomi stated “It’s time Yoruba people in Lagos gather together to start beating any doofus protester.
“Chioma Okoli is from the south; her oppressor is from the south; why is the protest in Lagos?”
Ewatomi alleged that the solidarity walk “is a scheme to burn down Lagos infrastructure.”
Okoli is facing prosecution for criticizing a tomato paste product from Erisco Foods.
Chioma Okoli, on September 17, 2023, made a post on her Facebook page, highlighting the high sugar content in the tomato paste and inviting her followers who might have used the same product to share their opinions.
She 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. She was previously arrested and detained in September 2023 over her review of a tomato product manufactured by Erisco Foods Limited.
