THE CASE OF VALUEJET AND WASIU AYINDE MARSHALL (KWAM 1)
(d) In the case of KWAM 1, 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.
(e) Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police.
(f) 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.
AIRLINE OPERATORS, AVIATION AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
6. 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 de-escalate potentially explosive situations. The retreat will be fully covered by the Press with the opportunity to ask all the relevant questions.
7. 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.
FINAL COMMENTS
8. 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.
9. 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.”
FESTUS KEYAMO, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK)
We believe that the manner the breach of laws was handled left much to be desired. It gave the impression that the law in Nigeria is flexible and bendable for the rich and famous.
More importantly, as an observer noted: “True justice should not be hinged on compassion, backroom deals, retreats, or PR statements; it comes from applying the rules equally, whether you’re a market woman in the back row or a Fuji legend in first class.
“The conversion of KI from an aircraft-blocking, fluid-splashing passenger into an ‘Ambassador for proper airport security’ is not clemency but the state’s thumbs up to egregious celebrity misbehaviour, all of which, in sane countries, should have got him handcuffed, prosecuted and possibly banned from flying indefinitely.”
We reiterate the fact that Nigerians were not deceived by the supposed compassionate grounds on which the Federal Government has resolved the cases involving KWAM 1 and Ms. Emmanson.
The traumatised lady was just an accidental beneficiary of the soft landing those in power had frantically searched for the embattled reckless musician.
With Mr. Wasiu Ayinde now an Ambassador, the Federal Government must find a corresponding appointment for Ms. Comfort Emmanson. That will balance the reward for the terror unleashed on Nigerians by the infamous duo.
“With Mr. Wasiu Ayinde now an Ambassador, the Federal Government must find a corresponding appointment for Ms. Comfort Emmanson. That will balance the reward for the terror unleashed on Nigerians by the infamous duo.”
Culled from New National Star