Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reacted to the controversial incident involving a female passenger, Miss Comfort Emmanson, aboard Ibom Air, describing the episode as a reflection of Nigeria’s double standards and the failure of some security operatives to act with civility.
In a statement on Monday, Obi apologised to the Ibom Air crew who were allegedly assaulted by Miss Emmanson, stressing that society must uphold good conduct as a measure of decency and success.
However, he strongly criticised the “dehumanising treatment” meted out to the passenger, particularly the alleged public stripping before she was hurriedly arraigned and remanded. He described the act as “the height of rascality and abuse” by the agencies involved.
Obi expressed concern that while Miss Emmanson faces swift legal action, another offender who disrupted a flight and endangered passengers’ lives remains free, with some government officials calling for him to be pardoned.
“This case is not just about one young woman, it is about the double standards that poison our justice system,” Obi said. “Justice in Nigeria must never be about who is poor or powerless versus who has influence or access to government officials.”
He called on the Minister of Aviation and relevant authorities to explain the disparity in handling the two cases, stressing that justice must be fair, equal, and non-selective.
Obi concluded by urging Nigerians to work towards a system where the rule of law is upheld without bias, reiterating his belief that “a new Nigeria is possible.”
