Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has condemned what he described as double standards in Nigeria’s justice system following the recent Ibom Air incident involving Miss Comfort Emmanson
In a statement posted on X on Monday, Obi apologized to the Ibom Air crew allegedly assaulted by Emmanson but criticized the “dehumanising” treatment she received from security operatives.
He claimed the young woman was publicly stripped, arraigned, and remanded, while another passenger accused of delaying a flight and endangering hundreds of lives has neither been arrested nor prosecuted.
“This case is not just about one young woman; it is about the double standards that poison our justice system,” Obi said. “Justice in Nigeria must never be about who is poor or powerless versus who has influence or access to government officials.”
Obi argued that selective enforcement of the law, especially against women and the less privileged, undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust. He said the contrasting treatment between Emmanson’s case and that of the other offender reflects a wider culture where politically connected individuals avoid accountability for more serious offenses.
He urged the Minister of Aviation and other authorities to address the disparity and ensure justice is applied equally.
The full statement reads:
“The unfortunate and dishonourable drama witnessed in Ibom Air has again exposed the double standards in our society and the failures of our security operatives to act decently and civilly. I begin by sincerely apologising to the Ibom Air crew assaulted by Miss Comfort Emmanson.
We must, as a society, uphold good conduct as a true measure of success and dignity. However, I strongly condemn the dehumanising treatment given to this young woman. Publicly stripping her was unnecessary and represents a grave abuse by our agencies. It is unacceptable that she was quickly taken to court and remanded, while another individual who visibly delayed a flight and endangered hundreds of lives remains free, with some government agencies and officials calling for his forgiveness.
This is not just about one woman; it highlights the double standards poisoning our justice system. Justice in Nigeria must never be based on poverty or powerlessness versus influence or government connections. While Ms. Emmanson is in jail, the other offender, who committed a more serious act, has not faced the same consequences. He has neither been arrested nor arraigned.
We must build a nation where justice is fair, equal, and not selective—especially against women perceived as weaker. This young woman’s offence pales in comparison to the crimes committed daily by those who parade as “excellencies” while looting public funds with impunity. Yet, they are neither stripped nor dehumanised in the name of justice.
Selective treatment of the poor or less privileged must end. Justice, if it is to be justice, must be served to all, fairly. The Minister of Aviation and relevant authorities owe the public an explanation for these double standards. Justice must be just, or it is nothing at all. The rule of law, grounded in justice for all, must remain the foundation of our democracy.”
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It’s always based on poverty or powerlessness