The Presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 general election has condemned what he described as double standard and the dehumanising treatment meted out at Ibom Air Passenger, Comfort Emmanson.
Obi in a statement issued Monday apologised to the Ibom Air crew who were assaulted by Emmanson, adding that as a society, there is need to learn and uphold good conduct as true measure of success and decent living.
He noted that the unfortunate and dishonourable drama witnessed in Ibom Air has again brought to the fore the double standards in and the inadequacies of various security operatives in acting decently and in a civilised manner.
Obi added: “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.
“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.
“This case is not just about one young woman, it is about the double standards that poison our justice system. Justice in Nigeria must never be about who is poor or powerless versus who has influence or access to government officials.
“While Ms. Comfort Emmanson is in jail, the other offender who committed a more severe offence has not been held to the same standard. He has neither been arrested nor arraigned in any court.
“We must build a country where justice is fair, equal, and not selective, especially against women who are seen to be weaker. This young lady’s offence does not compare to the crimes committed daily by those parading themselves as “excellencies” while looting public funds without consequence, and yet they have not been stripped or dehumanised in the name of justice.
“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 maintained that the Minister of Aviation and other relevant authorities owe the public an explanation for these double standards in their adjudication.
“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 noted.