Ezekwesili attacks Toni Payne over child abuse in schools

     

 

A former minister of Education and BringBackOurGirls pioneer, Dr Oby Ezekwesili has attacked a television host and lifestyle writer, Toni Payne, who last night on series of tweets, questioned her contribution to the fight against child abuse in schools in the country.
The publicist further accused Nigerian celebrities of doing almost nothing about the increasing rate of child abuse in the country, adding that they are more interested in being pictured donating ‘indomie’ to less privileged children and not hesitating to share the pictures on their different social media pages.
She made the accusations via her twitter handle @tonipayne last night.

Ton Payne tweeted, “Naijas av this VERY nasty habit of ignoring things till it gets out of hand, what r people like @obyezeks doing bout CHILD ABUSE in schools?”
The former Minister responded immediately in a series of tweets asking her to always do proper research before rushing to her twitter handle.
Ezekwesili tweeted, “Thanks Yankee. But do read your tweets again my dear young woman and stare down hard at yourself before a mirror.
“2 months ago, I began a conversation with IG @PoliceNG on tackling the scourge of Violence Against Children & Women.

“Based on our discussion, IG promised 2 things: 1. Host a multi-stakeholders forum to discuss the scourge.
“2nd action IG @PoliceNG promised was to set up a revamped &well resourced Violence Against Gender & Children’s unit.”
Payne who said she has never claimed to be perfect reacted again, adding that even if she lives in America, which is her base, she has the right to share her opinions on issues bothering on her country.
Payne said, “I have never claimed 2b perfect. My imperfection doesn’t change what is.

“By calling me Yankee, you imply because I live in America I can’t care for Nigeria? Who started the BBOG When Michele Obama held dat placard for BBOG you should have told her she is “YANKEE” so it’s not her place to speak.
“At least I spoke up and did not wait for a topic of social magnitude to do so. Nothing to gain but a better Nigeria.
Ezekwesili, further accused the ex-wife of music icon, 9ice, of making mockery of the BBOG advocacy.
“Had your mockery of BBOG advocacy not been part of those your tweets, you would sound patriotically believable.
“I would actually admire you if you are not now starting to waffle. Read you thread again in which you mocked BBOG.
“My counsel to you is to stay honest with your perspective and apologize honestly when wrong. Don’t dissemble. Don’t.
“I consider this a #TeachableMoment my dear. Read your tweet again. You distanced yourself in your “Naija-beating.”
Payne claimed she was mix-red by Ezekwesili and ended abruptly the conversation which almost ended on a sad note.
She said, “You are again twisting my words. I’ll respect your age and stop here. It doesn’t change the truth or MY OPINION.”
While Ezekwesili, advised her to reflect on the lessons of their “encounter & more productively direct your well founded concern.”