The Federal Government has intervened in the recent aviation incidents involving unruly passengers and airline staff, and has made key decisions to address the situations.
According to a press statement by the Honourable Minister for Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, the government has asked Ibom Air to withdraw criminal charges against Comfort Emmanson, a passenger who was involved in an altercation with airline staff.
The Minister stated that after reviewing the incidents and consulting with stakeholders, the government has decided to show compassion and reduce the penalties imposed on the individuals involved.
In the case of Comfort Emmanson, the government has asked Ibom Air to withdraw the complaint against her, and the police will facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within the week.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has also agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on her.
In another case involving KWAM 1, the Minister announced that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce his flight ban from six months to one month.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will also work with KWAM 1 to engage him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.
The Minister also directed all relevant aviation agencies to begin a retreat next week to retrain and prepare aviation security personnel on how to deal with errant and disruptive passengers.
The airlines will also have their own session to focus on the conduct and attitude of their staff towards members of the travelling public.
The government emphasized that these decisions were taken on compassionate grounds and that safety and security in the aviation sector will be taken very seriously going forward.
The Minister warned that while the government is willing to show mercy, it will not pander to base sentiments or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of laws are involved.
