Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has called for calm and unity following the recent controversy involving Ibom Air and Comfort Emmanson, an indigene of the state who had a publicised altercation with crew members of the state-owned airline.
Speaking during a grand reception held in his honour in his home local government area, Nsit Ubium, on Saturday, the governor pledged his administration’s support for both parties, stating that they are both products of Akwa Ibom and deserve understanding, not blame.
“Whatever had transpired, we will solve the problem. It was a small mistake. Both parties belong to us. The lady is our daughter. When two people fight, there is always the third person to separate the fight,” the governor said.
The matter gained national attention after Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on Ibom Air, had an altercation with the airline’s crew. The disagreement reportedly led to her arrest and detention, drawing mixed reactions from the public.
Emmanson was later released following the intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who granted her a ministerial pardon.
In a media interview after her release, Emmanson said the incident left her emotionally traumatized, stating that she felt humiliated and exposed, which affected her ability to move freely or interact socially.
Governor Eno addressed the issue in his remarks, urging Akwa Ibom citizens not to take sides or inflame the situation further. He warned against joining external voices who might exploit the incident to criticize the state government or its investments.
“We will continue to support our flagship airline, Ibom Air. Every Akwa Ibom person should be proud of the airline, which has flown our colours,” the governor said.
“Our money is invested in Ibom Air, so we should protect it, not pull it down. At the same time, Comfort is our daughter. So instead of blaming one side, we must find a way to bring peace.”
Eno noted that disagreements are normal, but resolution and understanding must follow, especially when both sides are part of the same community.
Ibom Air, launched in 2019, is the first state-owned airline in Nigeria and has received national praise for its efficiency, professionalism, and safety record. It is widely regarded as one of Akwa Ibom’s most successful investments and has significantly boosted the state’s image.
Governor Eno emphasized that the airline remains a source of pride for the people of the state and should not be dragged through unnecessary controversy.
“We are flying Akwa Ibom colours across the country through this airline. We should not let one disagreement make us forget how far we’ve come,” he said.
While defending the airline, Governor Eno was also clear in his support for Emmanson, describing her as “our daughter” who, like anyone, could make mistakes but still deserves care and protection.
“We must not allow her to be isolated or shamed. She has expressed her feelings, and it is our duty as a government and a people to support her emotionally and psychologically,” he said.
Though the governor did not specify the kind of support Emmanson will receive, sources within the state government suggest that assistance may include counselling, rehabilitation, and community reintegration to help her recover from the ordeal.
Governor Eno’s comments were widely praised by community leaders and political observers for promoting peace and discouraging division.
Elder statesman and community elder, Chief Aniekan Essien, who attended the reception, said the governor demonstrated true leadership.
“It takes a mature leader to say both sides are ours and we must protect both. We must now focus on healing, not blaming,” he said.
With tensions easing, the Akwa Ibom government appears focused on finding a balanced resolution to the matter without damaging either the airline’s reputation or Emmanson’s dignity.
Eno’s intervention is expected to help reduce online and offline arguments that have surrounded the issue since it broke.
As the story fades from national headlines, Akwa Ibom’s leadership hopes the incident will serve as a reminder of the importance of dialogue, restraint, and unity—especially when public institutions and citizens are involved.
