FG has compensated Kwam 1 with appointment amid airport controversy.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that the Federal Government has named Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam 1, as an ambassador for airport security protocol, despite recent controversy surrounding his alleged misconduct aboard a ValueJet flight.
The announcement came on Wednesday from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, following consultations with aviation stakeholders and a review of recent unruly passenger incidents, notably those involving Kwam 1 and Comfort Emmanson.
Keyamo said the government viewed the incidents as an opportunity to raise public awareness on proper conduct in airports.
“Though regrettable, we think valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides. If nothing else, these episodes have helped highlight airport security protocols for the travelling public,” the minister stated.
On the Ibom Air case, Keyamo revealed that Emmanson who had been handed a lifetime flight ban and remanded in Kirikiri Prison would be freed this week after showing “great remorse” during police interrogation. The Federal Government appealed to Ibom Air to withdraw its complaint, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria have agreed to lift her ban, with details to be released later.
For Kwam 1, the NCAA reduced his flight ban to one month and withdrew its criminal complaint to the police. Keyamo confirmed that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) would now work with the singer in his new ambassadorial role to promote proper airport behaviour.
The decision comes just hours after the NCAA petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over Kwam 1’s alleged refusal to surrender a flask suspected to contain alcohol during boarding on August 5. The crew subsequently deboarded him and accused him of attempting to delay the flight’s departure, leading to the suspension of two ValueJet pilots.
Keyamo clarified that the clemency decisions were made “purely on compassionate grounds” and warned that aviation laws would continue to be strictly enforced. He also announced that a retreat would be held next week to retrain aviation security staff on handling disruptive passengers and improving airline staff–passenger relations.