Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, has defended the appointment of Wasiu Ayinde, the Fuji artiste popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for airport security protocol.
Keyamo described the role as unpaid community service rather
than a prestigious position with perks.
On August 5, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)
suspended two ValueJet pilots over a safety breach at the domestic terminal of
the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, which was linked to the
disorderly conduct of KWAM 1, who was on board the flight.
Keyamo had directed the agency to place the musician on a
no-fly list, pending the outcome of a full investigation into the incident.
The NCAA also petitioned the Attorney-General of the
federation (AGF) and the Inspector-General of police (IGP) to investigate the
incident involving the airline and the Fuji musician.
Earlier today, the minister announced that KWAM 1 has been
appointed as an ambassador as part of measures to ensure celebrities promote
proper conduct at airports across the country.
In a subsequent post on X, Keyamo likened the ambassadorial role to voluntary community service, adding that the position carries no salary or official benefits.
He said it is common practice worldwide for repentant
offenders to publicly advocate against the misconduct they once engaged in.
The minister said previous governments have similarly
assigned such roles to repentant individuals.
“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,” Keyamo wrote.
“It is akin to Community Service. It is not paid for and it
is voluntary service. 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. ”
Keyamo also revealed that the aviation agencies are
considering appointing Comfort Emmanson, the passenger who was accused of
assaulting airline officials on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, as an
ambassador for good passenger conduct on behalf of the Airline Operators of
Nigeria (AON).
He said the details of her appointment are being worked out
by the AON.
“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,” he added.
“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.”
Addressing critics, Keyamo maintained that the government’s
decisions have been fair and transparent.
“Whilst the usual suspects can continue to question our
decisions on this issue, we firmly believe we have been fair to all,” he said.
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