Breaking: 'Airlines Considering Naming Ibom Air Passenger Ambassador,' FG Speaks
- Festus Keyamo revealed that Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of unruly behaviour aboard an Ibom Air flight, may be appointed as an ambassador for good passenger conduct by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON)
- Keyamo disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, August 13, explaining that the decision aligns with the global practice of engaging repentant offenders to educate others against similar misconduct
- Keyamo shared that the aviation sector is considering appointing Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as Kwam 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocols
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 afternoon, August 13, disclosed that Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of assaulting an Ibom Air staff, could land ambassadorial roles.
Legit.ng had reported that Keyamo, on Wednesday morning, August 13, asked Ibom Air and ValueJet, whose officials were involved in separate controversies with Emmanson and another high-profile passenger, to withdraw their complaints against them.
Source: TikTok
Recall Emmanson was forcefully removed from the aircraft on Sunday, August 10, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos for allegedly assaulting airport officials. She was remanded at Kirikiri Prison in Lagos after the airline pressed charges against her. Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) also imposed a lifetime “no-fly” ban against her, which the federal government later overturned.
For the high-profile passenger in the spotlight, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as Kwam I, he allegedly insisted on taking an alcoholic drink on board a ValueJet airline despite the caution by officials of the airline.
Per viral videos, Kwam 1 tried to physically prevent the aircraft from taking off and was nearly hit by the plane when the pilot proceeded to taxi in preparation for takeoff.
The incident led the aviation regulator, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to suspend the two pilots involved, while the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) imposed a six-month flying ban on Kwam 1.
The NCAA petitioned the inspector general of police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun and called for an investigation into Kwam 1's case, a matter the Nigerian police boss subsequently referred to the commissioner of police in charge of the airport.
Comfort Emmanson may get ambassadorial role
In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) page, Keyamo said the AON are exploring the possiblity of using Emmanson as their own ambassador "for good passenger conduct".
Source: Facebook
Part of Keyamo's statement reads:
"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."
Keyamo makes clarification on Kwam 1
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Keyamo said Nigerian authorities decided to appoint Kwam 1 an aviation ambassador "to preach publicly against the exact conduct from which he has repented".
The minister 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."
Source: Legit.ng
