The AJU Morgan Elumelu Foundation (AMEF) has suspended all members of the Women for 35% ESCO and declared every ESCO position vacant. The move follows allegations that the group’s name and materials were misused.
The founder and convener, Hon. Amb. AJU Elumelu-James, announced the decision in an official notice. She is also the Chief Executive Officer of AMEF.
Allegations of Duplication
According to the notice, some individuals allegedly copied the group’s constitution, structure and activity descriptions. They reportedly used them to set up a similar initiative.
The notice also says the platform was previously warned against being used to approach political offices, seek favours or raise money. Those warnings, it says, were ignored.
Elumelu-James said Women for 35% was built through vision, planning, sacrifice and sustained effort. She stressed that it is not open for anyone to take over or profit from.
Legal Steps and Suspension
AMEF has handed the available information and evidence to its corporate lawyer for review. The foundation said it may file complaints with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) where the agency has jurisdiction. Other relevant authorities may also be approached.
Where legally appropriate, AMEF said it would also bring the facts to the public through credible media organisations.
The names of those implicated have been sent to the founder. She chose not to publish them while the review continues.
For now, only the Coordinators from the Board may oversee the affairs of Women for 35%. No one else may act under the suspended ESCO mandate.
All members, former coordinators, ambassadors and mobilisers must comply with the directive. Anyone using the group’s identity without authority must stop immediately.
Elumelu-James said the organisation was founded to advance women’s representation, participation and empowerment. She added that it was never meant to be a shortcut to political favours or personal gain.
The notice closed with the group’s tagline: “Her Voice. Her Vote. Her Future.”
