Breaking: ‘Why We are Considering Using Kwam 1 as Ambassador,’ FG Opens Up
- Festus Keyamo said the engagement of Kwam 1 as an ambassador for airport security protocol is a voluntary service that will not be paid for
- Keyamo said the clarification was necessary to dispel the notion surrounding the ambassadorial role given to Kwam 1 after he attempted to block a moving aircraft
- The aviation chief stated that the role was akin to ‘community service,’ contrary to the belief that the word ‘ambassador’ is “a big position"
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and governance in Nigeria.
FCT, Abuja - Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation, on Wednesday, August 13, said Nigerian authorities decided to appoint Wasiu Ayinde, the veteran Fuji musician popularly called Kwam 1, an aviation ambassador "to preach publicly against the exact conduct from which he has repented".
Legit.ng had reported that Keyamo said on Wednesday morning, August 13, that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) would appoint Kwam 1 as an ambassador for airport security protocol.
Source: Instagram
The minister said the move is part of measures to ensure celebrities help promote proper conduct at airports across the country, adding that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reduced Kwam 1’s flight ban to one month.
Furthermore, Keyamo disclosed that the NCAA will also withdraw the criminal complaints earlier lodged with the police against the music star.
The development comes in the wake of the artiste’s apology, where he stated that the flask he held contained medically prescribed water, not alcohol, as alleged by airport officials. Kwam 1 had infamously clashed with airport officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Keyamo makes clarification on Kwam 1
On Wednesday afternoon, August 13, minister Keyamo, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), clarified that 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.
According to him, "it is akin to community service; it is not paid for and it is voluntary service."
He said via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle:
"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. It is for free. It is not the first time it is happening in Nigeria and it will not be the last . Examples abound of such roles given to repentant persons by previous governments in Nigeria."
Source: Facebook
Keyamo continued:
"Whilst the Aviation agencies are considering using Kwam 1 for such a role, in my discussion last night with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), they are 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 the AON to work out those details since she has been actually released from prison custody today based on my earlier statement."
He concluded:
"Whilst the usual suspects can continue to question our decisions on this issue, we firmly believe we have been fair to all."
Senate to probe Kwam 1, 1 other
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the senate vowed to carry out a comprehensive investigation into recent viral airline passenger incidents that have raised questions about operational standards, passenger rights, and the overall discipline within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
In a statement by the chairman, senate committee on aviation, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, the senate emphasised that these developments demand immediate and coordinated action to protect the integrity of the sector and restore public confidence.
Source: Legit.ng
