Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced plans to support Comfort Emmanson, the passenger who was recently involved in a controversial altercation with Ibom Air. The governor also pledged continued support for the state-owned airline during a grand reception held in his honor at Nsit Ubium Local Government Area on Saturday.
While not specifying the nature of the planned support, Governor Eno emphasized that both Emmanson and Ibom Air "belong to Akwa Ibom State hence should be supported." He urged citizens not to take sides in the dispute, noting that both parties may have made mistakes.
"We will continue to support our flagship airline, the Ibom Air. Every Akwa Ibom person should be proud of the airline which has flown our colours," the governor stated. "Our money is invested in Ibom Air, so you should be proud of the airline. If there was any crisis, do not join issues with others who are spoilers because they don't love good things."
Governor Eno further explained his position on the matter, saying, "Whatever had transpired, we will solve the problem. It was a small mistake, both parties belong to us. The lady is our daughter. When two people fight, there is always the third person to separate the fight."
The incident, which gained significant public attention, resulted in Emmanson being temporarily remanded before receiving a pardon from Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo. In a subsequent interview, Emmanson claimed she had been traumatized by the experience, stating she was now unable to move around and interact with people as her body had been "unduly exposed."
The dispute between the Akwa Ibom indigene and the state-owned airline has sparked considerable debate, with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) reportedly summoning both Emmanson and Ibom Air crew members over the incident.
Governor Eno's intervention appears aimed at de-escalating tensions and finding an amicable resolution to the situation that has placed two Akwa Ibom entities at odds with each other.
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