Our Reporter, Abuja
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has again criticised the handling of the recent altercation involving a female passenger on an Ibom Air flight, describing the airline’s lifetime ban on the passenger as “systemically wrong and unjust.”
In an X post on Tuesday, Obi, who hinted that he had earlier apologised to the airline and its crew over the incident, said he was shocked to learn that the passenger, identified as Ms. Comfort Emmanson, a woman in her twenties, had been barred from flying with the airline for life.
“This morning, I woke up to learn that the passenger… has been banned from flying for life—once again showing how our system works, proving the truth of Anacharsis’ words that ‘the law is like a spider’s web: it catches the weak, while the powerful break through with ease,” Obi said.
He questioned the speed and process behind the decision, asking: “What due process was followed overnight leading to this sanction? Have we exhausted the avenues of justice and compassionate resolution on this matter?”
The former Anambra State governor argued that the ban highlights the double standards in the country’s justice system, where the less privileged face swift and harsh consequences, while politically connected individuals and people in positions of authority escape accountability for greater offences.
“It is a tragic irony that a young lady in her twenties can be banned for life, while… those in positions of authority perpetrate far greater offences that harm the nation deeply, yet move freely in comfort, shielded from consequences,” Obi said.
While acknowledging that Ms. Emmanson’s behaviour was wrong, the leading opposition politician said there must be room for rehabilitation and compassion, especially when misconduct is driven by frustration or misplaced anger.
“Justice must be equal for all. Power must never determine who is punished and who is pardoned,” he stressed.
Recall that Peter Obi, citing double standards had earlier condemned the swift arraignment and remand of Ms. Comfort Emmanson while more powerful individuals who had committed similar or even more serious offences were not arrested but allowed to roam free.
