Airport Fracas: NAAPE Backs Pilots, Blasts Kwam1
By Ekanem ASUQUO
The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has thrown its weight behind two suspended ValueJet pilots, insisting that Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam1, should be held responsible for the recent disruption of a Lagos-bound flight in Abuja.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Saturday, NAAPE National President, Galadima Abednego, described the August 5 incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport as the result of “crude, unruly behaviour” and an “arrogant display” by the musician, which allegedly provoked the flight crew.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had suspended the pilot and first officer over what it termed a security breach on the tarmac before departure. While noting the captain could have exercised more discretion, Abednego stressed that Kwam1’s conduct triggered the chain of events.
“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,” he said, urging the NCAA to reinstate the pilots, whom he described as seasoned professionals with clean records.
The association also appealed to ValueJet to continue supporting the affected staff, commending the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the NCAA Director-General for swift intervention.
The NCAA has since blacklisted Kwam1 from both domestic and international flights through Nigerian airports. The veteran Fuji artiste has issued a public apology.
