Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned what he described as “double standards” in the handling of the recent Ibom Air incident involving Miss Comfort Emmanson.
In a statement issued on Monday, Obi apologised to the airline’s crew members who were allegedly assaulted by Emmanson, urging Nigerians to uphold the values of civility, respect, and good conduct.
However, he criticised the manner in which Emmanson was treated, alleging that she was stripped in public before being taken to court and remanded. Obi described the act as “unnecessary” and “the height of rascality and abuse” by security operatives.
The Labour Party chieftain argued that the case highlighted the imbalance in Nigeria’s justice system, where ordinary citizens face swift punishment while influential figures often escape accountability — citing the recent case involving Fuji musician K1 De Ultimate as an example.
“This is not just about one incident; it reflects a systemic injustice where the poor are quickly punished and the powerful are spared. This must stop,” Obi said.
The incident, which has sparked debate across social media, has reignited calls for fairness, due process, and equal treatment under the law.
His word..
“The unfortunate and dishonourable drama witnessed in Ibom Air has again brought to the fore the double standards in our lives and the inadequacies of our various security operatives in acting decently and in a civilised manner.
I want to start by sincerely apologising to the Ibom Air crew who were assaulted by Miss Comfort Emmanson. We must, as a society, learn and uphold good conduct, as it is a true measure of success and decent living.
However, I must equally strongly condemn the dehumanising treatment meted out to this young woman. Stripping her publicly was not only unnecessary but also represents the height of rascality and abuse by our agencies. It is unacceptable that she was hurriedly taken to court and remanded, while someone who visibly held a plane from taking off and put hundreds of lives at risk is still at large, with government agencies and some state officials speaking up for him to be forgiven.
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.
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.
A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO”
