The Labour Party has condemned what it termed the selective application of justice in Nigeria, comparing the starkly different responses to two recent aviation-related incidents involving Ms. Comfort Emmanson and Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (K1 De Ultimate).
In a statement issued by Ken Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser to the Acting National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, the party decried the inconsistency in how justice is applied based on social or political connections.
“Last week, Nigerians were stunned by the disturbing report that a popular Fuji musician, K1 De Ultimate, a personal friend of President Bola Tinubu, allegedly endangered the lives of hundreds of passengers aboard a Value Jet aircraft by attempting to stop a taxiing plane,” the statement read.
“This flagrant violation of established aviation safety regulations was conveniently glossed over by the relevant authorities, apparently because of the musician’s proximity to the President.”
In sharp contrast, the party highlighted the rapid and harsh treatment of Ms. Emmanson, who was accused of refusing to switch off her phone, though reportedly in flight mode, on an Ibom Air flight, and allegedly assaulting a crew member.
“What followed was a swift and shocking sequence of events: Ms. Emmanson was stripped naked by aviation security, arraigned, imprisoned at Kirikiri Correctional Centre, banned for life from flying Ibom Air, and placed on the Airline Operators of Nigeria’s ‘No-Fly’ list, all within 24 hours. Who knew Nigerian justice could move with such lightning speed?” the party said.
While acknowledging that Emmanson may have breached in-flight safety rules, the LP criticized what it called her “inhumane treatment,” describing it as a clear violation of her constitutional rights.
“The message from these two episodes could not be clearer: if you are connected to those in power, you can flout the law with impunity. If you are not, the system will come down on you with crushing force. This selective application of justice is not justice at all, it is the most insidious form of pretended justice.”
The Labour Party also accused stakeholders in the aviation sector of defending K1 De Ultimate instead of addressing the serious nature of his alleged misconduct, which, they argue, could have endangered lives.
Referencing the recently reinstated national anthem, which President Tinubu signed into law, the LP reminded the government of the ideals it professes to uphold.
“Stanza two declares that ‘our flag shall be a symbol that truth and justice reign,’ and stanza three prays to the ‘God of creation’ to ‘help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed,’” the party stated.
The statement called on President Tinubu to ensure equal treatment under the law for all Nigerians, regardless of their social standing.
“What is good for the goose must also be good for the gander,” the party said.
