The group in a statement issued by its President, Ambassador Ojineme Enakeme, said that Mrs. Abiola, her chief mobiliser, one Comfort Shekwoyan of Women for Peace Security and Social Initiative, deceived several women non-governmental groups and organisations into mobilising 50 women each to the Eagle's Square under the pretence that they were to be given 50kg bag of rice each, only for the women numbering over 400 to be given banners with “Say No To Protest” in different states.
A coalition of women groups under the umbrella of Nigerian Young Women (NYW) has accused a wife of late Chief MKO Abiola, Mrs. Tinu A. Abiola, and other leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), of deceiving over 400 women with a promise of palliative rice only to take pictures of them in Abuja with “Say No To Protest” banners.
The group in a statement issued by its President, Ambassador Ojineme Enakeme, said that Mrs. Abiola, her chief mobiliser, one Comfort Shekwoyan of Women for Peace Security and Social Initiative, deceived several women non-governmental groups and organisations into mobilising 50 women each to the Eagle's Square under the pretence that they were to be given 50kg bag of rice each, only for the women numbering over 400 to be given banners with “Say No To Protest” in different states.
They then took pictures of them and left stranded without even transport fare.
Demanding public apologies from the APC, the women group said, “We, the umbrella body of young Nigerian women, representing various groups and organisations across the country, including students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and activists, are compelled to express our deep disappointment, sense of betrayal, and outrage at the deceitful actions of Mrs. Tinu A. Abiola, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and her chief mobiliser, Comfort Shekwoyan of Women for Peace Security and Social Initiative.
“On the 27th of July, 2024, Mrs. Abiola and Comfort Shekwoyan organized an event in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Eagle square, purporting to distribute palliatives to vulnerable women, under the guise of empowering them.
“However, in a shocking turn of events, they exploited these women for political gain, falsely claiming that Nigerian women are against protests. This is a clear case of deception, manipulation, and exploitation.
“The event, which was initially billed as a palliative distribution exercise, was later revealed to be a political gathering, aimed at promoting the interests of the APC and undermining the legitimate protests against the government's failures.
“The women who attended the event were coerced into holding banners for various states and chanting slogans against the protests, without their knowledge or consent.
“We are appalled that Mrs. Abiola and Comfort Shekwoyan would stoop so low as to use vulnerable women, who are already struggling to make ends meet, to further their political agenda.
“Their actions are a slap in the face of Nigerian women who are genuinely fighting for a better future, free from corruption, poverty, and inequality. We condemn their deceitful actions and demand accountability and transparency.
“The government's corruption, incompetence, and disregard for human life have led to widespread suffering among Nigerians. The current state of affairs is unacceptable, and we will not be silenced or misrepresented. Our voices will continue to echo against bad governance and corruption.
“We demand: A public apology from Mrs. Abiola and Comfort Shekwoyan for their deceitful actions. An investigation into the activities of Women for Peace Security and Social Initiative to ensure they are not using deceitful means to achieve their goals. The government should take responsibility for its actions and work towards addressing the grievances of Nigerians.
“Concrete steps to address the plight of vulnerable women, who are often the most affected by government failures. Measures to ensure that political parties and organizations do not exploit vulnerable groups for political gain.
“We will continue to stand together and fight for a better Nigeria, where every citizen has access to basic necessities like food, water, healthcare, and education. We will not be deterred by deceitful actions like those of Mrs. Abiola and Comfort Shekwoyan.
“We call on all Nigerians to join us in this nationwide protests against corruption, bad governance, and exploitation. Together, we can build a better future for ourselves and generations to come. #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria."