Peter Obi has expressed outrage at how the Nigerian government punishes ordinary citizens but rewards politicians and their associates who commit worse crimes that harm the country.

Against the backdrop of an unruly Ibom Air passenger, Comfort Emmanson, who was swiftly arraigned and remanded in Kirikiri Prison, Mr Obi, in a statement on Tuesday, condemned double standards in the Nigerian justice system, arguing that “the poor must not be punished while the powerful walk free”.

Reacting to Ms Emmanson’s remand in prisons, Mr Obi said, “This morning, I woke up to learn that the passenger, the young Ms. Comfort Emmanson in her 20s, 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’.”

The former Anambra governor explained that there “is everything systemically
wrong and unjust about this authoritarian decision”.

He added, “What due process was followed overnight leading to this sanction? Have we exhausted the avenues of justice and compassionate resolution on this matter?”

Mr Obi, who had in his first statement queried why Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, an ally of President Bola Tinubu, who held an aircraft hostage, was not arrested, decried the Nigerian system that swiftly punishes ordinary Nigerians, while politicians and their associates go scot-free of more serious crimes.

“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, and in Ms Emmanson’s case, the authorities acted with lightning speed, but the same urgency is absent when dealing with the influential and politically connected,” Mr Obi said. “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.”

The politician demanded equal justice for all. He also sought compassion, rehabilitation, and understanding when misconduct stems from frustration or aggression.