Auta Nyada, Lawyer and NBA National Welfare Secretary has strongly condemned what the association views as an erosion of the fundamental rights of Ms. Comfort Emmanson, on a following her controversial removal from a commercial flight.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, Nyada emphasised that, her right to dignity, privacy, and fair treatment under the law, while raising serious concerns over the role of the Minister of Aviation, Professor Siyamu Ese, in the unfolding incident.
“The president made it clear in our statement issued yesterday, immediately after the event, that the NBA is on standby, ready to provide free services to Ms. Emmanson should she require it,” he said. stating that, even if she declines, the association is prepared to “watch brief” in court due to the public interest implications of the case.
Nyada also cited constitutional backing, specifically Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the dignity of the human person. “Her dignity was violated. That video, which showed her being forcefully removed, could have been blurred or taken down. Instead, it was released publicly without editing. That’s an infringement of her rights.”
The association drew a stark contrast between the handling of Ms. Emmanson’s case and that of Mr. Watsiu, who disrupted a flight by obstructing boarding procedures. While, Ms. Emmanson, on a received what the NBA called “a smack on the wrist,” including a brief suspension, Ms. Emmanson was slapped with a lifetime ban and manhandled on video. “The punishment clearly did not fit the crime under the circumstances,” he stated.
Nyada also weighed in on the Minister of Aviation’s controversial directives, questioning his authority. “The Nigerian Police Force does not take instructions from the Honourable Minister for Aviation. That’s a fact. I don’t believe he acted within the scope of his authority to issue directives.
The minister had not only instructed the police but also the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), a move Nyada warned could undermine the independence of regulatory bodies. “He doesn’t have the power to give instructions in the manner he did.”
On the issue of pursuing further legal action, Nyada emphasised that it would be led by Ms. Emmanson willingness to proceed. “We would not professionally urge, mandate, or incite anyone to go to court. The person involved must feel their rights have been violated and be willing to act.”
However, he noted that its public interest litigation and citizens’ rights committees are already analyzing the situation and could take independent legal steps. “We believe that this matter offends the rule of law. That’s why we gave two open blank checks: free legal representation if she wants it, or we proceed independently.”
While. also criticizing the lack of transparency surrounding the full incident. He asserted, “To date, we don’t know what transpired. What triggered the woman to react that way? Who pulled off her wig before she was dragged out? We’ve only seen selected footage.”
He called for a deeper conversation around precedent and the misuse of social media. “You set a bad precedent if you don’t pursue justice. People think they can just upload videos, infringe on privacy, and end someone’s life online.”
Despite the withdrawal of charges, Nyada insists that the situation is far from resolved. “It’s a partial win for democracy. We need to hear Ms. Emmanson full story. Only then can an informed decision be made.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
The post ‘Punishment Didn’t Fit the Crime’: Nyada Decries Rights Violations on Ibom Passenger Emmanson appeared first on Arise News.
