Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has clarified that the planned appointment of Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an Ambassador is not a paid job but the duty he would discharge for free.
Keyamo had earlier announced the decision of the federal government to pardon KWAM1 with his six-month flight ban reduced to one month following his altercation with ValueJet crew during an Abuja-Lagos flight on Tuesday last week.
Ms. Comfort Emmanson who was also involved in a similar case of unruly conduct was also pardoned with her charges withdrawn as announced by the Minister earlier in the day.
Daily Trust reports that KWAM1, according to the Minister, would be engaged by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as an ambassador “for proper airport security protocol going forward.”
The appointment has generated mixed reaction especially in the social media space.
But clarifying the Ambassadorial appointment in a post on his verified X handle, Keyamo stated that it is a common practice globally to use a repentant offender to preach against the conduct for which he has shown remorse.
Keyamo also hinted that Emmanson might be engaged by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) as an Ambassador, insisting the federal government has been fair to all.
His post read: “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 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.
“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.”
