In a society striving for accountability and integrity, the recent consideration by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to appoint musician Wasiu Ayinde, aka KWAM1, as an ambassador for aviation security is absurd and a complete embarrassment to the country. The action does not portray Nigeria as a country that rewards excellence but rather rewards bad behaviour and promote imounity. This decision, following KWAM1’s infamous attempt to obstruct a ValueJet Airlines flight, underscores a troubling trend in Nigeria: the alarming tendency to reward bad behavior.
This incident is not merely a lapse in judgment; it reflects a broader societal issue where the powerful and connected evade the consequences of their actions. In a world where conduct that would be deemed criminal in many nations is met with leniency at home, we must question the message such decisions send. There is no doubt that KWAM1’s actions was a terrorism action by international standard – a stark reminder of the standards we must uphold to safeguard our airspace.
Compounding this absurdity is the case of Comfort Emmanson, who, after a violent outburst on an Ibom Air flight, was granted a reprieve by Keyamo, despite her serious charges of assault and destruction of property. Emmanson’s release, coupled with offers of employment and land as compensation for her “discomfort,” sends a clear signal: in Nigeria, bad behavior can yield rewards. This sets a dangerous precedent for our youth, who are increasingly disillusioned by a system that seems to favor celebrity status over accountability.
As a nation, we must commit to upholding the law equally for all. The idea that celebrity status can shield individuals from accountability is not only misguided but harmful. Nigeria must reject this culture of impunity and set firm examples that demonstrate the law applies equally, regardless of wealth or influence. Only then can we hope to foster a society where good behavior is rewarded, and bad behavior is met with appropriate consequences—a crucial step toward reclaiming our moral compass and ensuring a brighter future for our youth.
Airlines and airport authorities must prioritize strict compliance with safety regulations governing aviation and airspace. Recent footage circulating online showed an aircraft taxiing dangerously close to individuals, nearly resulting in a tragic incident involving a musician who had to quickly dodge to avoid being hit. This scenario illustrates a concerning neglect of aviation safety protocols that dictate the interactions between passengers and airlines.
Firstly, a passenger with prohibited liquids should never have reached the tarmac, let alone disrupted an aircraft’s take-off. This represents a serious security lapse. Additionally, the decision by the pilot to move the aircraft while individuals were in close proximity raises significant concerns about judgment. It appears that the pilot may have acted hastily by initiating taxiing when KWAM 1 was still nearby.
Witnesses reported that KWAM 1 attempted to stop the aircraft after it was cleared by Air Traffic Control, a move that could have put his life at risk. This event highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive investigation to prevent future incidents. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) prohibits passengers from carrying liquids on commercial flights, in line with international aviation security standards. The National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) and ICAO regulations state that liquids over 100ml are forbidden unless medically necessary and properly declared. Reports indicate that the passenger was aware of this regulation but chose to disregard it.
This incident points to a troubling trend of neglecting flight procedures and a lack of vigilance from the cockpit crew. Had KWAM 1 not ducked, the aircraft’s wing could have inflicted serious harm or worse. We call on the NCAA to enforce stringent adherence to regulatory requirements in flight operations and recommend deploying safety officers to oversee activities at major airports throughout the country.
Moreover, it is imperative for aviation authorities to tackle the rising occurrences of unruly behavior among passengers, especially on domestic flights. Incidents like blocking terminal entrances and ignoring crew instructions about mobile phone use are becoming increasingly common. Authorities must take firm action against such misconduct. There should be no exceptions for unruly behavior or violations of established rules and regulations.
