Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has revealed that airline operators are considering appointing Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger who was recently released from prison, as an ambassador for good passenger conduct.
Emmanson was jailed after she was involved in an incident with an Ibom Air hostess during a flight but she secured her release on Wednesday
after government intervened and the airline withdrew its complaint.
However, Keyamo in a statement via his verified X handle on Wednesday said the role being considered for Emmanson, and for Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as KWAM 1 in a separate case, would be voluntary and without financial benefits.
Kwam 1 was also involved in a similar incident in Abuja few days ago but was not jailed but rather suspended.
Following the release of Miss Emmanson, Kwam 1 was appointed the airline ambassador and Keyamo has revealed that Miss Emmanson is being considered for similar role also.
However, he emphasized that such ambassadorial roles are not official positions and have been given to repentant individuals by past Nigerian governments.
He wrote; “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.
“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.”
