Two recent aviation incidents have sparked widespread debate over what many Nigerians see as a glaring case of double standards in the enforcement of safety regulations.
Last week, reports emerged that popular Fuji musician, K1 De Ultimate (Kwam 1), allegedly attempted to halt a taxiing Value Jet aircraft, a move that could have endangered hundreds of passengers. Despite the seriousness of the alleged offence – which violates established aviation safety protocols – there has been no indication of punitive action from relevant authorities. Aviation stakeholders were instead accused of defending the musician, who is a close associate of President Bola Tinubu.
In contrast, events this week involving Ms. Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on an Ibom Air flight, unfolded very differently. According to reports, Ms. Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone during take-off, though she claimed it was on flight mode. She allegedly assaulted a crew member, leading to swift disciplinary measures: she was detained, stripped naked by aviation security personnel, arraigned, imprisoned at Kirikiri Correctional Centre, banned for life from flying with Ibom Air, and placed on the Airlines Operators of Nigeria’s “No-Fly” list – all within 24 hours.
Critics say while Ms. Emmanson’s actions breached passenger safety rules, the alleged humiliation she suffered was a gross violation of her constitutional right to dignity. The speed and severity of the punishment stand in stark contrast to the muted response in the Kwam 1 case.
Political and civil society commentators argue that the two cases send a troubling message: individuals with political connections may evade accountability, while ordinary citizens face swift and severe repercussions.
Quoting the second and third stanzas of Nigeria’s reinstated national anthem, Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Ken Eluma Asogwa, called on President Tinubu to ensure equal treatment under the law, saying, “If these words were reinstated out of conviction rather than nostalgia, then the President must ensure that his friend, Kwam 1, faces the same accountability meted out to Ms. Emmanson. What is good for the goose must also be good for the gander.”
