Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has publicly condemned the assault on Ibom Air crew members allegedly perpetrated by passenger Comfort Emmanson. In a statement released on Monday, August 11, 2025, Obi expressed his deep disappointment over the incident and offered a heartfelt apology to the airline staff affected.
“I want to start by sincerely apologising to the Ibom Air crew who were assaulted by Miss Comfort Emmanson,” Obi said. “This unfortunate act does not represent the values we must uphold as a people values of respect, dignity, and regard for those serving in critical roles.”
The violent altercation reportedly occurred during a routine boarding process on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos. What began as a disagreement quickly escalated into a physical assault against members of the flight crew. The situation was swiftly escalated to law enforcement authorities, leading to Emmanson’s arrest, arraignment, and subsequent remand at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending trial.
Obi said the critical role that airline staff play in ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers. “Our flight attendants and crew members are trained professionals whose primary duty is to safeguard lives in the air. Any form of aggression against them is unacceptable and should be addressed with the seriousness it deserves,” he stated.
The former governor used the incident as a springboard to reiterate his belief that Nigeria’s progress depends on upholding civility and mutual respect, irrespective of social status or occupation. “In this country, we must learn to treat everyone with equal respect—whether they are airline crew, market traders, security personnel, or high-ranking officials. No one deserves to be humiliated while simply doing their job,” Obi said.
Beyond the immediate context of the Ibom Air incident, Obi called on Nigerians to reflect deeply on how public service workers are treated in the country. “This is not just about Ibom Air; it is about every person who wakes up each day to serve others. We must give them the dignity they deserve,” he said.
Obi also commended Ibom Air for handling the matter professionally and swiftly, but he stressed the importance of ensuring a fair and transparent judicial process. “This case is a reminder that our actions carry consequences. Let us all commit to making Nigeria a society where mutual respect is the foundation of our daily interactions,” he added.
The assault on the airline crew sparked widespread public debate on social media and among civil society groups, many of whom have condemned the violence and called for reforms to better protect public service workers from abuse.
Civil rights organizations also weighed in, emphasizing that incidents like these highlight the urgent need for stronger laws and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard frontline workers who serve the public daily. They praised Obi’s statement for bringing attention to the issue and urging a national conversation on dignity and respect.
Ibom Air’s management similarly condemned the assault and vowed to pursue justice through the appropriate legal channels. The airline stressed that all passengers must comply with safety regulations and respect crew members who are responsible for ensuring passenger safety.
As the legal proceedings unfold, observers note that the case could serve as a precedent for how similar incidents of passenger misconduct are handled in Nigeria’s aviation sector moving forward.
Obi’s message resonates beyond the specifics of this incident, calling Nigerians to uphold values of respect, kindness, and fairness in all walks of life.
His appeal for dignity for public service workers aligns with growing demands for societal change and improved protections for those who keep essential services running.
The Ibom Air assault incident and Obi’s subsequent response serve as a timely reminder of the challenges Nigeria faces in fostering a culture of respect and civility.
The outcome of the case and the ensuing public discourse may well shape future efforts to build a more just and respectful society.
Peter Obi wrote:
The unfortunate and dishonourable drama witnessed in Ibom Air has again brought to the fore the double standards in our lives and the inadequacies of our various security operatives in acting decently and in a civilised manner.
I want to start by sincerely apologising to the Ibom Air crew who were assaulted by Miss Comfort Emmanson. We must, as a society, learn and uphold good conduct, as it is a true measure of success and decent living.
However, 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.
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.
A new Nigeria is POssible.
-PO
