Airlines considering 'unruly' Ibom Air passenger for ambassadorial role

Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger who has been in the news for assaulting a flight attendant this week, may become an ambassador of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).

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The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, announced on Wednesday that AON is looking at the option of using Ms Emmanson as “Ambassador for good passenger conduct,” following the fierce altercation between her and the staff of Ibom Air on Sunday.

Ms Emmason was a passenger on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday, and footage shows her in a physical confrontation with a flight attendant. Ibom Air alleged she assaulted crew members—stepping on the Purser, tearing off her wig, throwing her glasses to the floor, hitting staff with her footwear, and attempting to remove a fire extinguisher.

In the viral video of the altercation at the airport, the airline officials were seen dragging Ms Emmanson out of the aircraft, in the process exposing her upper body.

The passenger was later arraigned and remanded in Kirikiri prison on Monday.

Mr Keyamo, in his statement, said the passenger has shown remorse after the altercation and was freed on Wednesday evening.

The minister noted that the AON will work out the details of Ms Emmanson’s ambassadorial position.

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“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 a voluntary service,” Mr Keyamo said.

“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 free. It is not the first time it has happened in Nigeria, and it will not be the last. Examples abound of such roles given to repentant persons by previous governments in Nigeria.”

In the same vein, the aviation agencies are also considering using Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) for such a role.

READ ALSO: UPDATED: Court discharges Ibom Air passenger accused of assault

Last week, FAAN accused the musician of misconduct for bringing a flask containing alcohol on board a ValueJet flight. He apologised, saying it contained water for a medical condition. The NCAA then called for his prosecution.

The NCAA petitioned the inspector general of police, calling for an investigation against KWAM 1, a petition the inspector general referred to the commissioner of police in charge of the airport.

On Wednesday, Mr Keyamo asked Ibom Air to “withdraw criminal complaints” against Ms Emmanson. He also asked AON to lift the flight ban placed on Ms Emmanson and directed aviation regulators, including NCAA, to reduce the KWAM 1 ban to one month.

Mr Keyamo said both passengers have shown remorse. “Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1, earlier lodged with the police.”