The National Association of Seadogs, also known as Pyrates Confraternity, has lauded the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, for how he handled the recent cases involving Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as Kwam 1, and Comfort Emmanson.
The group described the reduction of sanctions imposed on Kwam 1 and the call for withdrawal of criminal complaints against Emmanson as commendable steps.
In a statement by NAS Cap’n, Dr Joseph Oteri, the association said the Minister’s emphasis on de-escalation, reconciliation, and capacity building for aviation security personnel was a welcome move to restore public confidence in the sector.
“From the outset, NAS made it clear that our position was not to excuse or defend unruly behaviour, but to insist that all offenders, whether high-profile or unknown, must face the same lawful consequences for breaches of aviation safety protocols,” Oteri said.
He noted that Keyamo’s acknowledgement of wrongs committed on all sides and his holistic review of the cases aligned with NAS’s call for fairness that is “corrective, not selective.”
The association cautioned that the clemency granted should not be mistaken for tolerance of misconduct in the aviation sector.
“While compassion is a virtue, deterrence is a duty. Going forward, every passenger and airline staff must understand that safety rules are non-negotiable, and enforcement must be blind to status, influence, or public sympathy,” Oteri stressed.
NAS welcomed the Minister’s directive for a retreat to retrain aviation security personnel and review airline staff conduct.
The group urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and airline operators to ensure transparent monitoring of enforcement and intensify public awareness campaigns on passenger conduct and penalties.
“Air travel is a shared responsibility. Passengers must respect safety protocols; airlines must treat customers with professionalism; and regulators must apply the law equally. If these principles are upheld, the unfortunate incidents of recent weeks will serve as a turning point for safer, fairer skies,” Oteri added.
