A coalition of women’s groups under the umbrella of Nigerian Young Women (NYW) has accused Mrs. Tinu A. Abiola, wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, and other leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), of deceiving over 400 women by promising palliative rice, only to use them for a misleading campaign against protests.
In a statement issued by its President, Ambassador Ojineme Enakeme, the NYW revealed that Mrs. Abiola and her chief mobiliser, Comfort Shekwoyan of Women for Peace Security and Social Initiative, lured several women non-governmental groups and organizations to mobilize 50 women each to Eagle Square in Abuja. The women were promised 50kg bags of rice each. Instead, they were handed banners with “Say No To Protest” slogans, photographed, and then abandoned without even transport fare.
“We, the umbrella body of young Nigerian women, representing various groups and organizations 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,” the group stated.
The coalition detailed how the event, held on July 27, 2024, in the Federal Capital Territory’s Eagle Square, was falsely promoted as a palliative distribution exercise to empower vulnerable women. However, it turned out to be a political gathering aimed at promoting APC’s interests and undermining legitimate protests against government failures. The unsuspecting women were coerced into holding state-specific banners and chanting slogans against 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 statement continued.
Highlighting the broader context of government corruption, incompetence, and disregard for human life, the group emphasized the widespread suffering among Nigerians and the need for genuine governance reforms.
The NYW has outlined specific demands, including:
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.
Government accountability and measures to address the grievances of Nigerians.
Concrete steps to improve the plight of vulnerable women, who are often the most affected by government failures.
Assurance that political parties and organizations will 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 protest against corruption, bad governance, and exploitation. Together, we can build a better future for ourselves and generations to come. #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria,” the statement concluded.
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