‘It’s not a big position’: Keyamo defends FG’s plan to appoint Wasiu Ayinde K1 ambassador of Airport Security

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has defended the Federal Government’s plan to appoint Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador of Airport Security Protocol, insisting the role is voluntary and not a high-ranking position.

Earlier, the Federal Government announced plans to engage KWAM 1 as an ambassador for airport security protocol. 

This follows his widely condemned attempt to block a moving aircraft at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on 5 August 2025.

The incident involved a ValueJet Airlines aircraft preparing to taxi when KWAM 1, seen in viral footage, stood in front of the plane and allegedly assaulted an airport official. The act sparked national outrage, with calls for his arrest and prosecution.

In his apology last Friday, the musician admitted fault and sought forgiveness from President Bola Tinubu, the Aviation Minister, the pilot, airline staff, passengers, and fans worldwide. He explained that the altercation stemmed from an issue over a water container he was carrying for health reasons, as advised by his doctor to combat dehydration.

Initially, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) imposed an indefinite flight ban on the singer and filed a criminal complaint against him. But in a statement on Wednesday, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said the sanctions had been reviewed after appeals from respected figures and KWAM 1’s public apology.

“In the case of KWAM 1, the NCAA will reduce his flight ban to one month. FAAN will also collaborate with him to promote proper airport security procedures going forward,” Keyamo said. “Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will also withdraw its criminal complaint against him.”

This generated a mixed reaction with many accusing the government of rewarding wrong behaviour which will encourgage future occurence. 

@khalArri, a Twitter user said; “Somebody that should be doing community service at the very least, he is about to be rewarded for his unruly behavior.” 

@lamy_tosh_ade, who also shared the same view wrote;  “For me, I think he’s being ridiculed. Giving a chieftain a public image ambassador is like telling him to learn from his mistakes.”

However, in another post clarifiying the plan, Keyamo explained that the move follows a globally accepted practice where individuals who have erred in the past are encouraged to speak publicly against the very misconduct they have renounced. He likened the initiative to a form of community service — unpaid, voluntary, and aimed at promoting positive behaviour.

“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 voluntary service,” the minister stated.

Addressing public misconceptions, Keyamo stressed that the title “ambassador” in this context does not carry any official perks or political weight. “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. It is not the first time it is happening in Nigeria and it will not be the last,” he added.

The minister also revealed that while aviation agencies are considering KWAM 1 for the role, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) may also appoint Ms. Comfort Emmanson — the passenger involved in a recent viral in-flight incident — as an ambassador for good passenger conduct. According to Keyamo, Emmanson, who has shown remorse, was released from prison custody earlier in the day.

“Whilst the usual suspects can continue to question our decisions on this issue, we firmly believe we have been fair to all,” Keyamo said.