Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, says airline operators are considering appointing Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger recently released from prison, as an ambassador for good passenger conduct.
Emmanson was jailed following an incident on an Ibom Air flight but was freed on Wednesday after the airline withdrew its complaint, with the government facilitating her release.
In a statement on his verified X handle, Keyamo explained that the ambassadorial role being considered for Emmanson would be voluntary and without financial benefits.
He noted that the move is similar to the consideration of Fuji legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as KWAM 1, in a separate case.
“Whilst the Aviation agencies are considering using KWAM 1 for such a role, in my discussion last night with the Airline Operators of Nigeria, they are also looking at the option of using Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who has also shown remorse, as their own Ambassador for good passenger conduct. It is left for the AON to work out those details since she has been actually released from prison custody today based on my earlier statement. Whilst the usual suspects can continue to question our decisions on this issue, we firmly believe we have been fair to all,” he stated.
Keyamo clarified that the role is not an official position, adding that similar opportunities have been given to repentant individuals in the past as a form of community service.
“It is common practice all over the world that a repentant offender is made to preach publicly against the exact conduct from which he has repented. It is not paid for and it is voluntary service. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, some would assume that once you hear the word ‘Ambassador’ it is a big position that comes with the perquisites of office. No, it is not. It is for free,” he added.
Emmanson’s ordeal began on a flight from Uyo to Lagos when she allegedly refused to switch off her mobile phone during takeoff, which escalated into a verbal outburst. Ibom Air, alongside the Airline Operators of Nigeria, placed a lifetime no-fly ban on her, a decision criticised by the Nigerian Bar Association and rights groups over concerns about due process and human dignity.
Similarly, on August 5, KWAM 1 was involved in an altercation with airline staff and security officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, during an attempt to board a ValueJet flight to Lagos. He was accused of carrying a prohibited flask believed to contain alcohol, spilling its contents on personnel, and obstructing an aircraft from taxiing.
