Laolu Akande, former spokesperson to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has strongly criticized the Federal Government for appointing musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol following his recent misconduct at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Speaking on Channels Television's 'Sunrise Daily' on Thursday, Akande expressed dismay at the speed with which the government honored the musician after violating aviation rules, describing it as inappropriate timing and sending the wrong message to Nigerians.
"This may be a right thing but this is not the right thing now. You can't be shoveling down somebody who represented misbehavior, who endangered a flight, and everybody, indeed, and as a matter of fact, who almost breached national security," Akande stated.
He further emphasized, "You can't simply in one week say the person is an ambassador for protocol and security at the airport. That's not done. That is the most important thing that has happened, and it is devastating to our psyche as a people."
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had earlier announced that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) reduced KWAM 1's flight ban to one month. Keyamo also revealed that the musician would collaborate with the NCAA to promote awareness on acceptable conduct within aviation spaces.
Akande suggested that if the government wanted to make KWAM 1 an ambassador, they should have waited longer rather than rushing the appointment. "This is not how people in government ought to be behaving. If you want to make him an ambassador, wait down the road. It's pretty too early in the game. It sends the wrong signals," he added.
The controversy stems from an incident where KWAM 1 reportedly violated airport security protocols, which initially resulted in a ban from flying with ValueJet airline before the government's intervention and subsequent appointment.
Critics, including a former lawmaker, have expressed concerns that KWAM 1's ambassadorship might encourage misconduct at airports rather than promoting proper adherence to aviation security protocols.
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