Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has reacted to the outrage stirred following the decision of the federal government to pardon popular musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, also known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate over his unruly behaviour at the Abuja airport.
TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that Keyamo via the microblogging platform, X formerly Twitter said it is a common practice all over the world to appoint an offender who has repented as an ambassador to preach against such actions, adding that it is not the first time such a thing has happened in Nigeria, and it won’t be the last time as well.
The Minister stressed that contrary to what many Nigerians think, the ambassadorial announcement for KWAM 1 is not a prestigious position that comes with the perks of office, but rather a community service that is unpaid.
He mentioned that Comfort Emmanson, who was also involved in another incident with airline operators following KWAM 1’s situation, is being considered for a similar role in the aviation industry. Keyamo concluded that, regardless of what some people may think, feel, or say, the government has been fair in addressing this matter.
The Minister wrote: “For further clarification, 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 akin to Community Service. 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. It is not the first time it is happening in Nigeria and it will not be the last . Examples abound of such roles given to repentant persons by previous governments in Nigeria.
“Whilst the Aviation agencies are considering using KWAM 1 for such a role, in my discussion last night with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), 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.”
