Peter Obi reacts as Ibom Air passenger gets indefinite ban

Mr Peter Obi has faulted what he described as “double standards” in the handling of the case involving Miss Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger who assaulted crew members.

In a statement shared on his X page on Monday, Obi apologised to the airline’s crew over the incident, but criticised the “dehumanising” treatment meted out to the passenger, who was stripped in public before being remanded in prison.

He described the act as “unnecessary, rascal, and abusive,” questioning why Emmanson was quickly taken to court while another offender, who allegedly delayed a flight and endangered passengers, remains free.

“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,” Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor stressed that the case goes beyond one individual, arguing that it reflects the “poison” of selective justice in Nigeria.

“Justice must never be about who is poor or powerless versus who has influence or access to government officials,” he added.

Obi further criticised the disparity in how offences are treated, comparing Emmanson’s case to corruption by public officials.

“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, yet they have not been stripped or dehumanised in the name of justice,” he said.