KWAM 1: NAAPE URGES NCAA TO REVIEW SANCTION ON VALUEJET PILOTS
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By: Sefiu Ajape
The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has appealed to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to reconsider its suspension of a ValueJet pilot and co-pilot over the recent Abuja airport incident involving Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its national president, Galadima Abednego, the association called for a transparent, unbiased, and open investigation into the August 5 security breach at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, which disrupted a Lagos-bound ValueJet flight.
Abednego acknowledged that the ValueJet captain could have exercised greater discretion but condemned KWAM 1’s unruly behaviour on the tarmac.
“Aviation rests on two pillars — safety and security — and as a frontline professional association, NAAPE places the highest premium on these principles,” he said.
While commending the Minister of Aviation and the NCAA Director-General for their prompt response in the public interest, Abednego maintained that the singer should be held accountable for his actions.
Abednego urged the NCAA to reconsider and review its decision against the ValueJet pilot and first officer, with a view to restoring their licences.
He said, “While we note the captain’s less than optimal discretion, we totally condemn KWAM 1’s crude, unruly behaviour and arrogant display.
“NAAPE calls on the authorities to lay the blame on KWAM 1 and make him face the full wrath of the law to prevent future incidents. While we are not against investigation, we demand it be open, transparent, and unbiased. The intense provocation caused by KWAM 1’s actions stretched the tolerance of seasoned pilots with unblemished records.”
Abednego urged ValueJet to continue providing full support to the captain and first officer.
“NAAPE calls on all Nigerians, especially the flying public, to cooperate with lawful authorities in airports and with aviation workers. Passengers should always exercise restraint, knowing safety is aviation’s top priority. Let us cooperate with airlines to help them serve us better,” he said.
After the artiste’s initial denial and the aviation ministry announcement that he has been put on a no-fly list for holding passengers and pilots hostage, KWAM 1 posted on Friday expressing regrets for his unruly behaviour.
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