Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has hinted that airline operators are considering appointing the Ibom Air passenger recently released from prison, Comfort Emmason as an ambassador for good passenger conduct.
NATIONAL ECONOMY recalls that Emmanson was remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre after an incident on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos but secured her release on Wednesday following government’s intervention and withdrawal of the airline’s complaint.
In a statement on Wednesday via X (formerly Twitter), Keyamo 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.
“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 actually been 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,” his statement read.
He added that such ambassadorial roles are not official positions and have been given to repentant individuals by past Nigerian governments.
“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,” he said.
On a flight from Uyo to Lagos, passenger Emmanson allegedly refused to power off her mobile phone during takeoff, prompting a verbal outburst.
Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria had imposed a lifetime no-fly ban on her, which was met with condemnation from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other rights groups, citing due process and human dignity concerns.
