The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has described as unacceptable the arraignment and remand of Comfort Emmanson, a passenger accused of assaulting Ibom Air crew members and security personnel at an airport.
The incident occurred on Sunday during a Uyo-to-Lagos flight. Ibom Air alleged that Emmanson refused to comply with safety instructions to switch off her phone, assaulted crew members, and even attempted to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon.
The New Daily Prime reported that the media adviser to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood, confirmed in a post on X on Monday that Emmanson had been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Facility in Lagos State.
READ ALSO: Why AON places Ibom Air passenger Emmanson on lifetime no-fly list
However, in a statement posted on his X page on Monday, Obi condemned the “hurried” court arraignment and remand, calling it unfair.
He contrasted the case with that of Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam 1, who allegedly delayed a flight and endangered hundreds of lives yet remained free.
Obi noted that government agencies and some state officials were openly appealing for Kwam 1 to be forgiven, while Emmanson was behind bars.
The 64-year-old former governor of Anambra State said the “unfortunate and dishonourable drama” had once again exposed the double standards in Nigerian society and the failure of security operatives to act with civility and professionalism.
While apologising to the Ibom Air crew for the assault, Obi stressed the need for society to uphold good conduct, which he described as the true measure of success and decent living.
He also condemned what he called the “dehumanising treatment” meted out to Emmanson, saying that stripping her in public was unnecessary and represented “the height of rascality and abuse” by Nigerian agencies.
Obi’s statement further read: “This case is not just about one young woman, it is about the double standards that poison our justice system. Justice in Nigeria must never be about who is poor or powerless versus who has influence or access to government officials. While Ms. Comfort Emmanson is in jail, the other offender who committed a more severe offence has not been held to the same standard. He has neither been arrested nor arraigned in any court.
READ ALSO: Passenger who assaulted Ibom Air crew banned, remanded in Kirikiri
“We must build a country where justice is fair, equal, and not selective, especially against women who are seen to be weaker. 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, and yet they have not been stripped or dehumanised in the name of justice.
“We must end this selective treatment of the poor or less privileged. If justice must be served, it should be served to all, and it must be served fairly. The Minister of Aviation and other relevant authorities owe the public an explanation for these double standards in their adjudication. Justice must be just, or it is nothing at all. The rule of law based on justice for all must remain the guidepost of our democracy.”
