Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) for placing a lifetime ban on a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, over alleged misconduct on an Ibom Air flight.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a post on his X page, Obi questioned the process that led to Emmanson’s sanction and asked whether all avenues for justice and compassionate resolution had been exhausted.
Obi stated, “This morning, I woke up to learn that the passenger, the young Ms Comfort Emmanson in her twenties, has been banned from flying for life — once again showing how our system works, proving the truth of Anacharsis’s words that ‘the law is like a spider’s web: it catches the weak, while the powerful break through with ease’.”
He added, “There is something systemically wrong and unjust about this authoritarian decision. What due process was followed overnight leading to this sanction? Have we exhausted the avenues of justice and compassionate resolution in this matter?”
Obi pointed out the perceived injustice in the system, saying, “It is a tragic irony that a young lady in her twenties can be banned for life, while we — her parents — commit worse crimes against humanity and are celebrated. Those in positions of authority perpetrate far greater offences that harm the nation deeply, yet move freely in comfort, shielded from consequences.”
He emphasised the need for compassion and rehabilitation, stating, “If this young woman, who indeed acted wrongly, now seeks to apologise, who will hear her cry in a country where the pain of the poor is invisible and the dignity of the less privileged is often disregarded? Justice must be consistent, or it becomes oppression in disguise.”
Obi concluded by saying, “Power must never determine who is punished.”
The incident involving Emmanson has sparked controversy, with many questioning the severity of the punishment.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has stated that while the airline has the right to pursue prosecution, the parties can still settle out of court if they agree to, allowing for possible withdrawal of the case.
