Says Comfort Emmanson May Get Similar Offer
Yemi Obafemi
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has defended the Federal Government’s decision to engage Fuji legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for airport security protocol, despite backlash over his recent misconduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Reacting to critics, Keyamo clarified that the role of “Ambassador” in this case is not a high-ranking position but is a form of voluntary community service.
“It is common practice all over the world that a repentant offender is made to preach publicly against the exact conduct from which he has repented. It is akin to community service. It is not paid for and it is voluntary,” Keyamo said.
“Unfortunately, in Nigeria, some would assume that once you hear the word ‘Ambassador’ it is a big position that comes with the perquisites of office. No, it is not. Examples abound of such roles given to repentant persons by previous governments”, he noted.
Following appeals from well-meaning individuals and KWAM 1’s public apology, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) reviewed his sanctions, reducing his indefinite flight ban to one month and withdrawing its criminal complaints against him. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will also work with him to promote proper airport security protocol.
In a related development, Keyamo revealed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) is considering appointing Ms. Comfort Emmanson as an ambassador for good passenger conduct.
Emmanson was handed a lifetime no-fly ban on Monday after allegedly assaulting airline officials during a flight from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Lagos on Sunday. She was arraigned in court and remanded at Kirikiri Prison.
On Tuesday, Keyamo announced that Ibom Air had withdrawn its complaint against her, clearing the way for her release. He also appealed to AON to lift her lifetime flight ban.
“Whilst the Aviation agencies are considering using KWAM 1 for such a role, AON is also looking at the option of using Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who has also shown remorse, as their own ambassador for good passenger conduct. It is left for AON to work out those details,” Keyamo said.
Addressing critics of the ministry’s decision, he added: “Whilst the usual suspects can continue to question our decisions on this issue, we firmly believe we have been fair to all.”
