By Mustapha Salisu
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has decried the online harassment and gender-based attacks targeting former ministers Betta Edu and Sadiya Farouk, and suspended official Halima Shehu, all accused of corruption.
CITAD’s Gender Technical Officer, Zainab Aminu in a press statement while acknowledging the ongoing corruption investigation, expressed concern over the “disturbing direction” online discourse has taken, highlighting stereotypical, offensive comments solely focused on the women’s gender. Examples cited included:
“What a man can steal, a woman can thief Beta”
“The hijab bandits” new series on efcllix
“Meet Sadiya Umar Farouk. The first woman who fed millions of children through WIFI”.
“Behind the hijab is the devil” from X (Formerly Twitter)
Zainab emphasized that corruption transcends gender and should be addressed without bias. The organization urged for “respectful and fair discourse,” focusing on facts rather than harmful stereotypes.
Highlighting the disparity in treatment compared to past male-involved scandals, She stressed the need for equal treatment within public discourse.
Aminu also reminded the public that fighting corruption requires a “collective approach free from gender biases.”
The Gender Officer however called for a “nuanced and balanced discussion, free from harmful stereotypes,” urging caution against perpetuating such biases and emphasizing the importance of issue-based commentary.
It could be recalled that on 8th January, 2024, Betta Edu and Sadiya Umar Farouk were invited by the EFCC over an alleged fraud, while earlier in the month, Halima Shehu was also detained and interrogated.