The Federal Government has explained its decision to appoint Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security and passenger conduct.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday that the move aligns with global practice in which individuals who have previously breached rules are engaged to educate others against similar misconduct. He described the role as voluntary and comparable to community service.
Keyamo wrote, “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 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 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.
“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.
“Whilst the usual suspects can continue to question our decisions on this issue, we firmly believe we have been fair to all.”
Emmanson’s case, Keyamo added, was also being reviewed by the Airline Operators of Nigeria, which is considering appointing her to a similar advocacy role. She was freed from prison on Wednesday following his intervention.
The appointments follow KWAM 1’s altercation with ValueJet staff, which resulted in a six-month flight ban that Keyamo confirmed earlier on Wednesday had been reduced to one month.
