The Federal Government has announced plans to appoint Fuji music legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol following the recent controversy surrounding his conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the development on Wednesday in a statement outlining resolutions to recent incidents of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.
Keyamo revealed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had agreed to reduce KWAM 1’s six-month flight ban to one month and would partner with him to promote awareness on acceptable conduct within the aviation sector. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will spearhead the engagement process.
“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,” the statement read.
According to the minister, the decision was influenced by appeals from prominent individuals and KWAM 1’s public apology over the August 5 incident, in which he was accused of obstructing the movement of a ValueJet aircraft.
The artiste has insisted that the flask he carried on the day contained water for medical reasons, not alcohol as alleged by security personnel.
The clemency, Keyamo emphasised, was granted on “compassionate grounds,” adding that the government remained resolute in enforcing safety and security regulations across the aviation sector.
On August 5, KWAM 1 was involved in a confrontation with airline staff and security officials after allegedly carrying a prohibited flask, spilling its contents on personnel, and walking onto the tarmac to block the aircraft from taxiing.
The NCAA initially imposed a six-month no-fly ban and filed a criminal complaint with the police before Wednesday’s resolution.
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