Abuja — Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has criticised what he described as “double standards” and “dehumanising treatment” in the handling of a recent incident aboard an Ibom Air flight.
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In a statement on Monday, Obi expressed concern over the public stripping and hurried arraignment of a female passenger, Miss Comfort Emmanson, who allegedly assaulted members of the airline crew.
While offering an apology to the Ibom Air staff affected, Obi condemned the actions of security operatives, describing them as “uncivilised” and “an abuse of power.” He noted that another passenger, who allegedly delayed a flight take-off and endangered the lives of hundreds of passengers, had not been arrested or prosecuted.
“It is unacceptable that she was hurriedly taken to court and remanded, while someone who visibly held a plane from taking off and put hundreds of lives at risk is still at large, with government agencies and some state officials speaking up for him to be forgiven,” Obi said.
He argued that the case was symptomatic of a broader problem in Nigeria’s justice system, where the poor and powerless are often punished swiftly, while the influential evade accountability.
“This young lady’s offence does not compare to the crimes committed daily by those parading themselves as ‘excellencies’ while looting public funds without consequence,” Obi stated.
Calling on the Minister of Aviation and other relevant authorities to explain the perceived bias, Obi stressed that “justice must be fair, equal, and not selective, especially against women who are seen to be weaker.”
“The rule of law based on justice for all must remain the guidepost of our democracy,” he added.
The incident has reignited debates on law enforcement practices, human rights, and the need for reforms to ensure equal treatment before the law.