A former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has blasted the handling of the recent Ibom Air incident.
He recently described it as a reflection of double standards in Nigeria’s justice system.
Speaking via a press statement shared on his social media page, Peter Obi apologised to the Ibom Air crew allegedly assaulted by passenger Comfort Emmanson, emphasising the need for Nigerians to uphold good conduct as “a true measure of success and decent living.”
However, he criticized the “dehumanising treatment” of Comfort, who was stripped bare in public before being hurriedly taken to court and remanded.
Reacting, Obi stated that while Comfort is in custody, another individual who “held a plane from taking off and put hundreds of lives at risk” is living free.
“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.
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,” he wrote.
Peter Obi noted that the incident further proves that the poor and rich are treated differently in Nigeria.
He concluded by saying that politically connected offenders evading accountability has sadly become the norm in our society.
“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,” he added.
