By Philomina Brando
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced the withdrawal of criminal charges against Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) and Ms. Comfort Emmanson, following wide consultations with critical industry stakeholders.
Keyamo described recent incidents involving unruly behaviour at airports as “unfortunate” but said they had provided valuable lessons for passengers, airline staff, and the entire aviation sector.
“If nothing at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space,” he stated.
The minister acknowledged that both passengers and airline staff were at fault in the incidents.
“As highlighted in my previous statements on the last two incidents, clear wrongs were committed by both the offending passengers and staff of the airlines involved from all the evidence available to us and those available to the public.
“It is clear that all the actors involved cannot continue to highlight the injury or injustice done to them without acknowledging their own equal culpability.
Following appeals from well-meaning individuals and expressions of remorse by those involved, the government reached several decisions.
For Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the minister said the complaint against her was withdrawn after consultations with Ibom Air.
“Therefore, after reviewing the entire incidents, the following decisions have been reached: including withdrawal of complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, after conferring with Ibom Airline.
“When the police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” Keyamo said, adding that her release from Kirikiri Prison would be facilitated this week.
” Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week.
” I have also conferred with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and have appealed to them to lift the life-time flying ban imposed on her, to which they agreed. The details of the resolution will be made public by the AON subsequently.”
On the matter of KWAM 1, the Minister said : ” The NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward.
” Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police.
“In the case of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET, the NCAA is to restore their licenses after the same period of one-month ban after undergoing some mandatory professional re-appraisal. The details will be announced by the NCAA.
” I have directed all relevant Aviation agencies in collaboration with other complementary agencies outside aviation to IMMEDIATELY begin a retreat NEXT WEEK to properly retrain and prepare our Aviation security personnel on how to deal with errant and disruptive passengers and how to deescalate potentially explosive situations. The retreat will be fully covered by the Press with the opportunity to ask all the relevant questions.
“The Airlines will also have their own session when the conduct and attitude of their staff towards members of the travelling public will be in full focus.
” These above decisions were taken by Government and the airline operators purely on COMPASSIONATE grounds as Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws are involved.
“We are also sending a CLEAR MESSAGE that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies. “