ABUJA: Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Mr Peter Obi, has publicly condemned the handling of an incident involving an unruly passenger on an Ibom Air flight.
On his X account, Obi specifically addressed the case of Comfort Emmanson, who was arrested and prosecuted after a disruptive incident.
He argued that the response to her actions was disproportionate and highlighted a troubling double standard when compared to the case of musician Wasiu Ayinde.
Ayinde was involved in a similar altercation with ValueJet staff and airport officials but has not faced the same level of prosecution.
“The unfortunate and dishonorable drama witnessed on Ibom Air has once again brought to the fore the double standards in our lives,” Obi wrote.
While Obi apologized to the Ibom Air crew on behalf of society, he strongly criticized the “dehumanizing treatment” of Emmanson, particularly her public stripping.
He noted that it was unacceptable for her to be swiftly taken to court and remanded in custody while Ayinde, whose actions he described as more severe, remains free.
Obi stated that the two cases demonstrate a justice system that is “poisoned” by double standards, where the poor and powerless are treated differently from those with influence. He called for a fair, equal, and non-selective justice system, especially in cases involving women.
He further challenged authorities to explain why Emmanson, whose offense he said was minor compared to the daily crimes of corrupt officials, was subjected to such humiliation.
Obi called on the Minister of Aviation and other relevant authorities to provide an explanation for the disparate treatment, emphasizing that “justice must be just, or it is nothing at all.”
