‘Not a good signal’ — Stakeholders criticise FG for Making KWAM 1 aviation ambassador
Aviation stakeholders have condemned the withdrawal of charges on Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson and the pardon of fuji musician Mr Ayinde (KWAM 1) from facing prosecution.
Speaking with our correspondent in Lagos, they described the action as retrogressive in the aviation sector, saying Nigeria has become a laughing stock in the world.
Comrade AbdulRasaq Saidu, Secretary General of the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP) said all over the world, the principle of the rule of law is applied, and those culprits ought to be treated in accordance with aviation laws.
Saidu warned against bringing in sentiments, politics and favouritism into aviation, as it will never move the industry forward.
“What has happened now is a political decision; it is not a professional decision. Is the minister a professional aviator? Let us wait and see, as it will send bad signals to air travellers and the aviation communities.”
Saidu explained that the decision has been noted by international bodies, particularly due to the political implications of the decision.
“What has happened has dragged Nigeria into the mud in terms of aviation rules and regulations, as the international bodies, like the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the International Air Transport Association, are concerned with the audit of Nigerian aviation.
He noted that ICAO is already aware of all that is happening, saying it has pushed the country into a tight corner as the coming audit will be very tough.
“The coming audit will be very tough, and I don’t think the minister can defend it. I’m not happy with the decision; it doesn’t send a good signal. Why rush on this type of matter?”
For Olumide Ohunayo, the Secretary of Aviation Round Table, said the airport system was not prepared to handle unruly passengers, adding that, assuming the system was prepared, there would not be a different methodology in hand for the three different cases.
Ohunayo called on the government to back and work on the protocol system of handling unruly passengers.
He decried the poor system of handling unruly passengers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, wondering how such cases would be handled at other airports.
He berated the airline’s poor communications among the airport security, the police and others.
He condemned the making of KWAM1 an ambassador in aviation: “It is not right to make Wasiu an ambassador; he cannot be an ambassador for breaking aviation security. This is a man whose video has gone viral worldwide, and you are compensating him with an ambassadorship. He should go with his repentance.”
