The Federal Government has appointed Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol, following a recent controversy over his conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo, announced the decision on Wednesday while outlining measures to address recent cases of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.
Keyamo revealed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had reduced KWAM 1’s flight ban from six months to one month and would partner with him to promote awareness of acceptable conduct in aviation. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will coordinate the engagement.
“The NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to one month. FAAN will also work with the music star as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward. Having publicly shown remorse, the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaints against him,” the minister stated.
According to Keyamo, the decision came after appeals from well-meaning Nigerians and KWAM 1’s public apology over the August 5 incident, during which he was accused of obstructing a ValueJet aircraft’s movement.
The artiste has maintained that the flask he carried on the day contained water for medical reasons, not alcohol as alleged by security officials.
The minister stressed that the clemency was granted on compassionate grounds, but reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing aviation safety and security laws.
On August 5, KWAM 1 reportedly clashed with airline staff and security personnel while boarding a ValueJet flight to Lagos. He was accused of carrying a prohibited flask, spilling its contents on officials, and walking onto the tarmac, allegedly blocking the aircraft from taxiing.
The NCAA had initially banned him from flying for six months and filed a criminal complaint, citing the act as a breach of aviation safety regulations.
0 Comments