By By Micheal Chukwuebuka
FORMER Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised what he described as “double standards” in Nigeria’s justice system, following the arrest and public humiliation of Miss Comfort Emmanson over an incident on an Ibom Air flight.
In a statement on Monday, Obi apologised to the Ibom Air crew who were allegedly assaulted by Emmanson, but condemned the manner in which she was treated by authorities.
“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,” Obi said. “Stripping her publicly was not only unnecessary but also represents the height of rascality and abuse by our agencies.”
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He expressed concern that Emmanson was “hurriedly taken to court and remanded” while another passenger who disrupted a flight’s take-off and endangered lives remains free, with some government officials reportedly calling for his forgiveness.
“This case is not just about one young woman, it is about the double standards that poison our justice system,” he stated. “Justice in Nigeria must never be about who is poor or powerless versus who has influence or access to government officials.”
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Obi noted that the other offender, whom he said committed a more serious crime, has neither been arrested nor arraigned, while many powerful individuals accused of large-scale corruption continue to walk free.
Wasiu Ayinde (Kwam 1)
He also urged the Minister of Aviation and relevant authorities to explain the apparent disparity in handling such cases.
“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,” Obi stressed. “The rule of law based on justice for all must remain the guidepost of our democracy.”
The incident involving Emmanson, which occurred on an Ibom Air flight, has sparked public debate about law enforcement practices and equal treatment under the law.
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