Laolu Akande, former spokesperson to ex–Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has faulted the Federal Government’s decision to name Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security and protocol.

 

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, Akande expressed concern over the speed with which the recognition was conferred, just days after KWAM 1 was sanctioned for violating aviation safety procedures at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

 

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had on Wednesday announced that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had reduced KWAM 1’s flight ban to one month. He also disclosed that the musician would partner with the NCAA to promote awareness on proper conduct within the aviation sector.

 

But Akande argued that the move was ill-timed and sent the wrong message to the public.

 

“This may be a right thing but this is not the right thing now,” he said. “You can’t be shoveling down somebody who represented misbehavior, who endangered a flight, and as a matter of fact, who almost breached national security.

 

“You can’t simply in one week say the person is an ambassador for protocol and security at the airport. That’s not done. This is devastating to our psyche as a people.”

 

He stressed that government officials should exercise better judgment in such matters, adding: “If you want to make him an ambassador, wait down the road. It’s pretty too early in the game. It sends the wrong signals.”