Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has strongly criticised what he termed as clear “double standards” in the handling of two recent airport-related incidents—one involving Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde (popularly known as KWAM 1), and the other, a female passenger, Miss Comfort Emmanson.
In a statement released on Monday, Obi expressed dismay over the contrasting responses by authorities in the two cases. He pointed out that Emmanson, who reportedly got into an altercation with Ibom Air staff, was swiftly arrested, taken to court, and remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre. In contrast, KWAM 1, who allegedly disrupted a ValueJet flight and caused delays for passengers, has not faced any legal consequences.
“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,” Obi said. “Government agencies and some state officials are even calling for him to be forgiven.”
Obi further criticised what he described as the dehumanising treatment of Emmanson, who was allegedly stripped by security officials during her arrest. He called the act “the height of rascality and abuse.”
While extending his apologies to the Ibom Air crew for any inconvenience caused, Obi maintained that both incidents reflect deep-rooted problems within Nigeria’s justice system.
“This case is not just about one young woman. It is about the double standards that poison our justice system,” he said. “Justice in Nigeria must never depend on a person’s social status or proximity to power. We must build a nation where the law applies equally to everyone.”
Obi added that Emmanson’s offence pales in comparison to the actions of many in high places who mismanage public resources with impunity.
“Yet, these so-called ‘excellencies’ are not stripped or publicly shamed, while a young woman is subjected to humiliation and swift punishment,” he said.
He concluded by urging the Minister of Aviation and relevant authorities to explain the apparent disparity in the treatment of the two incidents.
“Justice must be just, or it is nothing at all,” he declared.
Source: Vanguard Online
