The Federal Government’s decision to designate Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for appropriate airport security protocol was justified by Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
This came about as a result of public criticism over the FG’s position on recent instances of disruptive behavior at Nigerian airports including KWAM 1 and Comfort Emmason, an Ibom Air customer, acting unrulily with the airline’s air hostess.
Keyamo had stated that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had consented to shorten KWAM 1’s flight prohibition to one month and will collaborate with the performer to raise awareness of appropriate behavior in the airspace.
The minister insisted that KWAM 1’s public display of repentance over the August 5 incident in which he allegedly blocked the movement of a ValueJet aircraft was one of the appeals from well-meaning people.
On his official X handle on Wednesday, Keyamo justified the decision by writing, “For further clarification, 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 a voluntary service.” Nigerians on various social media platforms, however, had criticized the decision as being uncalled for and a double-standard.
Unfortunately, in Nigeria, people tend to think that the term “ambassador” connotes a high-level post with official privileges.
“No, it isn’t. It’s free. In Nigeria, this is not the first time it has occurred, nor will it be the last. There are numerous instances of previous Nigerian governments assigning such jobs to contrite individuals.
He emphasized that the Nigerian airline operators are also considering the possibility of appointing Emmanson, who has also expressed regret, as their own ambassador for appropriate passenger behavior.
In my conversation with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) last night, I learned that although the aviation agencies are thinking about employing KWAM 1 for this purpose, they are also considering using Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who has also expressed regret, as their own ambassador for appropriate passenger behavior.
“It is left for the AON to work out those details since she was actually released from prison custody today based on my earlier statement,” he added.
He further said that his ministry has been fair to all the people concerned in both incidents.
