Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has defended the appointment of Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for airport security protocol.
Keyamo stressed that the role is voluntary and comes with no perks, describing the position as “akin to community service” and not a prestigious government appointment, following public criticism of the decision.
“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,” the minister said in a post on X.
“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.”
LEADERSHIP reports that this development followed an incident on August 5, when the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) suspended two ValueJet pilots over a safety breach at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, linked to disorderly conduct by KWAM 1 during a flight.
The minister had initially directed the agency to place the artist on a no-fly list pending investigations.
Keyamo said the ambassadorial role was part of a broader strategy to engage public figures in promoting proper behaviour at airports nationwide.
“It is common practice all over the world,” he emphasised, adding that past Nigerian governments had assigned similar advocacy roles to repentant individuals.
The minister also revealed that the aviation sector was considering a similar role for Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of assaulting airline officials on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos.
Emmanson was discharged from court on Wednesday after the withdrawal of charges against her.
“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,” Keyamo stated.
He however stressed, “It is left for the AON to work out those details since she has been actually released from prison custody today (Wednesday) based on my earlier statement.”
Keyamo maintained that the government’s approach has been balanced 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.
