Our Reporter, Abuja
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has defended the decision to appoint Fuji music star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for good conduct in the aviation sector, stressing that the role is voluntary and carries no financial benefits.
In a statement on Wednesday, Keyamo said such engagements are a common global practice in which repentant offenders are enlisted to publicly campaign against the very conduct they once exhibited, describing it as akin to community service.
“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,” he said.
The minister dismissed speculations that the role was a political or lucrative appointment.
“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,” he stated, adding that previous governments had also assigned similar roles to repentant individuals.
Keyamo further disclosed that discussions were ongoing with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to consider Ms. Comfort Emmanson — the Ibom Air passenger recently released from prison — for a similar ambassadorial role to promote good passenger behaviour.
“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,” he said.
Keyamo maintained that the ministry had acted fairly in the matte in spite of widespread criticism of double standards.
“Whilst the usual suspects can continue to question our decisions on this issue, we firmly believe we have been fair to all,” the minister stated.
