Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has weighed in on the viral Ibom Air incident that saw passenger Comfort Emmanson physically assault cabin crew, condemning both the attack and what he calls the “selective justice” that followed.
In a statement on Monday, Obi described the clash as “unfortunate and dishonourable,” apologising to the Ibom Air crew members who were attacked. He stressed that good conduct must be upheld at all times, calling it “a true measure of success and decent living.”
However, Obi strongly criticised what he called the “dehumanising” treatment meted out to Emmanson, including her alleged public stripping after the incident. He labelled the act “the height of rascality and abuse” by security operatives, insisting it was unnecessary and unacceptable.
Obi questioned why Emmanson was “hurriedly taken to court and remanded” while other offenders who have committed even more serious aviation offences remain free.
“It is unacceptable that she is in jail, 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.
His remark was a clear reference to Fuji legend KWAM 1, who reportedly blocked a ValueJet aircraft in Abuja last week, an act aviation authorities described as tantamount to terrorism, yet faced no immediate arrest or prosecution.
The former Anambra governor accused Nigeria’s justice system of operating double standards, especially against the poor and the less privileged. He argued that while Emmanson’s actions were wrong, her case does not compare to the crimes committed daily by political elites who loot public funds “without consequence.”
“We must end this selective treatment of the poor. If justice must be served, it should be served to all, and it must be served fairly. Justice in Nigeria must never be about who is poor or powerless versus who has influence or access to government officials,” he said.
Obi called on the Minister of Aviation and relevant authorities to explain the perceived bias in how aviation-related offences are handled, stressing that the rule of law must guide democracy.
“Justice must be just, or it is nothing at all,” he concluded.
The incident, which began over a passenger’s refusal to switch off her phone before take-off, has sparked national debate over passenger conduct, human rights, and the fairness of Nigeria’s justice system.
