Eric Umeofia, founder of Erisco Foods Limited, has threatened legal actions against Chioma Egodi, a consumer who gave a review of one of the company’s products.
He spoke in an interview on Thursday on Arise TV.
Egodi had penultimate week made a post on Facebook, stating that she tasted Nagiko Tomato Mix — one of the tomato paste variants of the firm — and found it sugary.
But Erisco Foods Limited described the claim as untrue and unfounded.
According to the company,the post was intended to mislead its customers and discredit its image “as previously instigated by some elements and syndicates who are uncomfortable with our increasing market dominance as a leading indigenous manufacturer of 100% natural tomato pastes”.
The company decided to bring the said publication to the attention of relevant authorities.
Speaking,Umeofia said the post had cost him so much, including the company’s credit line, as he vowed to sue Edigo for N5 billion in damages.
He added that Edigo must tender a public apology by making a social media post.
“I had a $30 billion credit line from China but now it’s been suspended because of this,” Umeofia said.
“I will sue, surely. If she settles with the police on this trivial case, what about my damages? Is it right? People keep saying what they do not know. Where is our conscience or religion? That somebody would say that I am killing people and people are supporting them. People must come and tell me sorry.
“I will sue her for N5 billion if she does not comply with what we say.”
He said he had faced challenges operating in Nigeria, especially in getting foreign exchange (FX) from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
According to Umeofia, getting dollars from the CBN requires him to “compromise”.
He said there are independent bodies in the apex bank who collect certain cuts or amounts from manufacturers when they try to get foreign exchange.