Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the handling of the recent Ibom Air incident, calling it a reflection of systemic “double standards” in Nigeria’s justice system.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Monday, Obi expressed regret over the alleged assault on Ibom Air crew members by passenger Comfort Emmanson, emphasizing the importance of good conduct as “a true measure of success and decent living.”
However, he strongly criticized the “dehumanizing treatment” of Emmanson, who was publicly stripped before being swiftly arraigned and remanded. Obi contrasted her case with that of another individual who reportedly held a plane from taking off—endangering hundreds of lives—yet remains free, with some officials even advocating for leniency.
Obi stated, “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.”
He highlighted the disparity in treatment, noting that while Emmanson faces detention, politically connected offenders often evade accountability for far graver offenses. *“We must build a country where justice is fair, equal, and not selective, especially against women who are seen to be weaker,”* he added.
Obi urged the Minister of Aviation and relevant authorities to address the apparent bias in enforcement, stressing that *“Justice must be just, or it is nothing at all.”
The incident has reignited debates about Nigeria’s justice system, with critics pointing to a pattern where the underprivileged face swift punishment while the powerful escape scrutiny.
