Our Reporter, Abuja
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Monday condemned what he described as “double standards” in Nigeria’s justice system, citing the handling of the recent Ibom Air incident compared to a separate case involving a popular musician, K1 the Ultimate.
In a post on his verified X handle, Obi apologised to the Ibom Air crew allegedly assaulted by Miss Comfort Emmanson but criticised security operatives for the manner in which the young woman was treated.
“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,” Obi wrote.
He faulted the speed with which Emmanson was arraigned and remanded in custody, contrasting it with what he called the “lenient” handling of a recent incident in which a well-known entertainer reportedly held up a ValueJet flight.
“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 issue went beyond the Ibom Air case, describing it as a symptom of a justice system that treats the poor and powerless differently from the influential and connected.
“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,” he said, adding that women, in particular, should not be subjected to harsher treatment because they are perceived as weaker.
Obi further called on the Minister of Aviation and other relevant authorities to explain the “double standards” in their adjudication, insisting that the rule of law must be applied equally to all.
“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,” he stated.
