By Hallimah Olamide
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says it has summoned Erisco Foods Limited for allegedly arresting a dissatisfied consumer for her negative review of one of their products.
About two weeks ago, one Chioma Okoli whose Facebook name is Chioma Egodi Jnr, claimed she had gone to the market to get her favourite tomato paste. But when she could not get it, she resorted to one of the company’s products, Nagiko Tomato Mix.
The woman, however, claimed that upon opening the paste, it tasted sugary. She, however, asked her social media friends to confirm if they had used the product.
Reacting to the woman’s claim, Erisco Foods Ltd. in a statement said they would take all necessary actions against any malicious attack on their reputation. The company described the claim as untrue and unfounded in its entirety.
However, days later, the Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) Babatunde Irukera in a statement on Tuesday confirmed that the lady had been arrested over the comment.
Irukera said the summon on Erisco Foods Ltd. was to secure explanation from the company.
According to him, summons are being issued to Erisco Foods Limited immediately.
”This is to ensure that businesses are not engaging in conduct that creates a chilling effect on legitimate citizens expressions.
”Indeed, the author of a public statement owes a certain level of obligation for the truth and veracity of their statements.
”There are legally accepted thresholds for fairness and fair speech which are constitutionally protected.
Erisco Foods’ prerogative to refute a claim such as this is inviolate. And where they consider a statement sufficiently outrageous and a violation of law or their rights, bringing it to the attention of a ‘relevant authority’ is permissible.
“Erisco however should not seek or facilitate the arrest of a citizen for statements they consider prejudicial,” he said.