I have suspended all members of the Women for 35% ESCO. Every ESCO position is now vacant until further notice.

This decision follows reports that the name, constitution and structure of Women for 35% have been misused. I take these reports seriously, and I am acting on them now.

What Has Been Reported

I have been told that some individuals took our constitution, organisational framework and activity descriptions. They allegedly used them as a blueprint for a duplicate initiative.

This is not the first warning. I had earlier cautioned against using this platform to approach political offices, seek favours or raise money. Those warnings appear to have gone unheeded.

Women for 35% was built on vision, hard work, sacrifice and careful planning. It is not open for anyone to take over or profit from. I will not allow it.

What Happens Next

I have sent the available information and evidence to our corporate lawyer for review. Where the evidence supports it, AMEF will file complaints with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant authorities. Where legally appropriate, we will also bring the facts to the public through credible media organisations.

I have received the names of those implicated. For now, I will not publish them. The review must follow due process.

Until I issue a further directive, only the Coordinators from the Board may oversee the affairs of Women for 35%. No one else may exercise ESCO authority or claim to act under a mandate that has been suspended.

I expect every member, former coordinator, ambassador and mobiliser to comply. Anyone using our identity without authority must stop immediately.

Women for 35% exists to advance women’s representation, participation and empowerment. It was never meant to be a shortcut to political favours, money or recognition for work others did not create.

We will protect this work. We will defend its integrity. And we will pursue every lawful step to safeguard the vision and the women who trust us.

Signed,

Hon. Amb. AJU Elumelu-James
Founder/Convener, Women for 35%
Chief Executive Officer, AJU Morgan Elumelu Foundation (AMEF)

Her Voice. Her Vote. Her Future.