The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has called on the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to hold musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam1, accountable for the disruption of a ValueJet flight at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 5.
In a statement on Saturday, NAAPE National President Galadima Abednego described the musician’s conduct as “crude, unruly behaviour” and an “arrogant display” that provoked the ValueJet crew. The incident, classified as a security breach on the tarmac before a Lagos-bound departure, led to the suspension of the pilot and first officer by the NCAA.
Abednego said that while the captain might have exercised better discretion, primary responsibility for the disruption should rest with Kwam1. He called for a transparent investigation to establish culpability and prevent similar incidents in the future. NAAPE also urged the NCAA to reconsider its decision against the crew and reinstate their licences, describing them as experienced pilots with clean professional records.
The association appealed to ValueJet to continue supporting the affected staff and commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development as well as the NCAA Director-General for their prompt intervention. Passengers, it said, should exercise restraint in the interest of safety.
Following the incident, the NCAA blacklisted Kwam1 from both domestic and international travel through Nigerian airports. The Fuji star issued a public apology on Friday.
Source: https://guardian.ng/
