Peter Obi, former Anambra State Governor, has strongly condemned the treatment meted out to Comfort Emmanson, Ibom Air passenger who was arrested and stripped by security officials after assaulting a crew member on a flight from Uyo to Lagos.
While Obi acknowledged that Emmanson’s behavior was unacceptable, he emphasized that the manner in which she was handled by security officials was “dehumanizing” and unacceptable.
The incident occurred on a flight from Uyo to Lagos, where Emmanson allegedly assaulted a crew member. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) subsequently placed her on a ‘No Fly’ list indefinitely. However, the manner in which she was arrested and treated by security officials has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation.
Obi highlighted the disparity in how Emmanson was treated compared to popular musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1), who allegedly prevented a ValueJet aircraft from taking off and put hundreds of lives at risk.
Unlike Emmanson, KWAM 1 has not been arrested or arraigned, with some government officials calling for him to be forgiven. Obi questioned the selective application of justice in this case, emphasizing that justice should be fair and equal for all.
Obi emphasized the need for fairness and equality in the justice system, stating that justice in Nigeria should not be based on an individual’s influence or access to government officials. He urged the Minister of Aviation and other relevant authorities to explain the double standards in their adjudication, stressing that justice must be served fairly and equally to all.
“The treatment meted out to this young woman was dehumanizing.”
“Justice in Nigeria must never be about who is poor or powerless versus who has influence or access to government officials…We must build a country where justice is fair, equal, and not selective,” Obi said.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about selective justice and the need for reform in Nigeria’s justice system.
Obi’s statement has added to the growing calls for accountability and fairness in the treatment of individuals, regardless of their social status or influence. The incident highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to justice, one that prioritizes fairness, equality, and accountability.
