Editorial
Whither PH Explosion Report?
It is, indeed, surprising that after several months, the police authorities in Rivers State have yet to release a report or make a statement regarding the attempted dynamite attack at Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt. This incident, which sent shockwaves throughout the state, was met with a deafening silence from law enforcement officials, leaving many to wonder about the lack of transparency and accountability in the investigation.
On that fateful day, chaos erupted in front of the prestigious hotel as a man detonated a dynamite device. The quick actions of hotel security personnel and bystanders prevented a full disaster, but the incident left a lasting impact on Port Harcourt residents in particular. The news of the attempted attack spread like wildfire, with rumors and speculations running rampant in the absence of an official statement from the authorities.
The absence of communication from the police only serves to fuel the public’s fear and uncertainty. Rivers people were left wondering about the motives behind the attack, the identity of the perpetrator, and whether there was a larger threat looming over the city. The silence from the police only added to the sense of unease and insecurity that gripped individuals in the aftermath of the incident.
In a society where trust in law enforcement is vital for maintaining peace and order, the failure of the police to provide timely and accurate information about such a significant event is deeply concerning. The public has a right to know the details of the investigation, to understand the measures being taken to ensure their safety, and to hold those responsible for the attack accountable for their actions.
The lack of transparency in this case raises serious questions about the effectiveness and integrity of the police authorities in the state. How can the public have faith in a system that fails to communicate openly and honestly about a potential threat to their safety? How can justice be served when critical information is withheld from the very people it is meant to protect?
Hence, the state police commissioner must break his silence and provide Rivers people with a comprehensive report on the attempted dynamite attack at the Presidential Hotel. The state deserves to know the facts surrounding the incident, the progress of the investigation, and the steps being taken to prevent similar threats in the future.
Many are puzzled as to why the police have failed to prosecute supporters of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister when they are apparently involved in criminal activities, yet they are quick to go after those who support Governor Siminalayi Fubara on what seem to be trumped-up charges. This inconsistency in their actions has created a sense of injustice and favouritism.
The bombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex and subsequent arrests and prosecution of Fubara’s followers in far away Abuja highlight a concerning trend of selective prosecution. While individuals like Asa Abuja, a former militant and supporter of the governor, are declared wanted by the state police commissioner for issuing threats, those who carry out attacks on behalf of their political master in Abuja evade accountability.
This raises questions about the impartiality of law enforcement in Rivers State and whether political affiliations play a role in determining who faces consequences for their actions. The lack of prosecution for some individuals while others face charges suggests a troubling absence of consistency and fairness in the application of justice.
The failure of the police to charge the suspect responsible for the dynamite explosion has emboldened criminals to carry out further attacks, such as the recent one on the Action People’s Party (APP) Secretariat. Valuable property was destroyed in the onslaught, causing financial losses and emotional distress to the party members. The Police must remain non-partisan in the political crisis and rise up to its constitutional responsibilities to Rivers people.
The question on everyone’s mind is why the police seem to prioritise certain cases over others, particularly when it comes to political affiliations. The perceived bias in their approach to law enforcement has only served to deepen the divide among the people and create a sense of distrust in the system. It is essential for the police to demonstrate fairness and impartiality in their dealings with all citizens, regardless of their political leanings.
To restore faith in the police force and ensure the safety and security of all citizens, it is imperative that they act swiftly and decisively in addressing criminal activities, regardless of the individuals involved and their political affiliations. The rule of law must be upheld without prejudice or favouritism, and those responsible for perpetrating violence and destruction must be held accountable for their actions.
As we reflect on the recent events in Rivers State and the failure of the police to act in a timely manner, it is clear that there is a need for reform and accountability within the law enforcement agency. The public’s trust in the police is at stake, and it is up to them to demonstrate their commitment to justice and fairness for all. Only then can we hope to see an end to the cycle of violence and injustice that plagues our state.
It began as a seemingly minor in- flight disagreement. Comfort Emmason, a passenger on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, reportedly failed to switch off her mobile phone when instructed by the cabin crew. What should have been a routine enforcement of safety regulations spiralled into a physical confrontation, sparking a national debate on the limits of airline authority and the rights of passengers.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) wasted no time in condemning the treatment meted out to Emmason. In a strongly worded statement, the body described the incident as “a flagrant violation of her fundamental human rights” and called for a thorough investigation into the conduct of the airline staff. The NBA stressed that while passengers must adhere to safety rules, such compliance should never be extracted through intimidation, violence, or humiliation.
Following the altercation, Emmason found herself arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court and remanded at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, a location more commonly associated with hardened criminals than with errant passengers. In a surprising turn of events, the Federal Government later dropped all charges against her, citing “overriding public interest” and concerns about due process.
Compounding her woes, Ibom Air initially imposed a lifetime ban preventing her from boarding its aircraft. That ban has now been lifted, following mounting public pressure and calls from rights groups for a more measured approach. The reversal has been welcomed by many as a step towards restoring fairness and proportionality in handling such disputes.
While her refusal to comply with crew instructions was undeniably inappropriate, questions linger about whether the punishment fit the offence. Was the swift escalation from verbal reminder to physical ejection a proportionate response, or an abuse of authority? The incident has reignited debate over how airlines balance safety enforcement with respect for passenger rights.
The Tide unequivocally condemns the brutal and degrading treatment the young Nigerian woman received from the airline’s staff. No regulation, however vital, justifies the use of physical force or the public shaming of a passenger. Such behaviour is antithetical to the principles of customer service, human dignity, and the rule of law.
Emmason’s own defiance warrants reproach. Cabin crew instructions, especially during boarding or take-off preparations, are not mere suggestions; they are safety mandates. Reports suggest she may have been unable to comply because of a malfunctioning power button on her device, but even so, she could have communicated this clearly to the crew. Rules exist to safeguard everyone on board, and passengers must treat them with due seriousness.
Nigerians, whether flying domestically or abroad, would do well to internalise the importance of orderliness in public spaces. Adherence to instructions, patience in queues, and courteous engagement with officials are hallmarks of civilised society. Disregard for these norms not only undermines safety but also projects a damaging image of the nation to the wider world.
The Emmason affair is not an isolated case. Former Edo State Governor and current Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, once found himself grounded after arriving late for an Air Peace flight. Witnesses alleged that he assaulted airline staff and ordered the closure of the terminal’s main entrance. This is hardly the conduct expected of a statesman.
More recently, a Nollywood-worthy episode unfolded at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, involving Fuji icon “King”, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM1. In a viral video, he was seen exchanging heated words with officials after being prevented from boarding an aircraft.
Events took a dangerous turn when the aircraft, moving at near take-off speed, nearly clipped the 68-year-old musician’s head with its wing. Such an occurrence points to a serious breach of airport safety protocols, raising uncomfortable questions about operational discipline at Nigeria’s gateways.
According to accounts circulating online, Wasiu had attempted to board an aircraft while he was carrying an alcoholic drink and refused to relinquish it when challenged. His refusal led to de-boarding, after which the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, imposed a six-month “no-fly” ban, citing “unacceptable” conduct.
It is deeply concerning that individuals of such prominence, including Emmason’s pilot adversary, whose careers have exposed them to some of the most disciplined aviation environments in the world, should exhibit conduct that diminishes the nation’s reputation. True leadership, whether in politics, culture, or professional life, calls for restraint and decorum, all the more when exercised under public scrutiny.
Most egregiously, in Emmason’s case, reports that she was forcibly stripped in public and filmed for online circulation are deeply disturbing. This was an act of humiliation and a gross invasion of privacy, violating her right to dignity and falling short of the standards expected in modern aviation. No person, regardless of the circumstances, should be subjected to such degrading treatment.
Ibom Air must ensure its staff are trained to treat passengers with proper decorum at all times. If Emmason had broken the law, security personnel could have been called in to handle the matter lawfully. Instead, her ordeal turned into a public spectacle. Those responsible for assaulting her should face prosecution, and the airline should be compelled to compensate her. Emmason, for her part, should pursue legal redress to reinforce the principle that justice and civility must prevail in Nigeria’s skies.