CITIZENS COMPASS—The Coalition against Corruption And Bad Governance (CACOBAG), on Wednesday, berated the appointment of the Fuji singer, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.
The Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the appointment following a recent airport incident that drew nationwide attention.
The human rights body in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Prince Toyin Raheem, described the appointment as unconstitutional.
“It is of great concern to us as an organization, the decision of Comrade Festus Keyamo SAN, the Minister of Aviation to act against the provision of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.as altered.
“We are disturbed that Hon.Minister, Festus Keyamo SAN, is a comrade and understands what constitutionalism entails.
“The constitution in section 42 declares, there should not be discrimination against Nigerians.
United Nations charter, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as well as African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, Article 6 specifically, are all against discrimination against Nigerians.
“It is worrisome, without prejudice, that two Nigerians were treated differently for contravening the rule of the Aviation industry.
“Contravention of safety rule of Aviation, definitely jeopardizes the lives all passengers on board of flights, however, while Wasiu Ayinde KWAM 1, a male and a musician, who may have committed a greater offence, was let go while Ms Comfort Emmason, a female, was sent to the correctional centre after being humiliated, embarrassed and her dignity eroded .This is not acceptable.
“According to Comrade Keyamo SAN, Wasiu Ayinde KWAM is to be “rewarded greatly ” for his unruly act. We are yet to come to terms with such a decision of Comrade Keyamo, who happens to be a rights defender and understands very clearly the essence of rule of law.
It is a bad precedent that minister Keyamo is promoting for reasons that Nigerians cannot comprehend.
“Without mincing words , the position of NBA and all pro people organisations that frown at the injustice meted to miss Comfort Emmason is a testament that the discrimination against her for being a woman, for not being a musician, for not being a public figure and political office holder is an act which is grossly against 1999 CFRN as altered.
The dignity of Ms Emmason whose offence is lighter when compared with what Wasiu Ayinde did, was not protected at all. This contravenes section 34 of 1999 Constitution as altered and United Nations convention on elimination of all forms of discrimination against women CEDAW which strongly frowns against humiliation of women.
“While miss Comfort Emmason was sent to correctional centre and comrades are intervening on her behalf to get her freedom,
KWAM 1 is to be “rewarded” for his unacceptable act. What an injustice?
Our Demands:
“Ms Emmason must be immediately released and compensated for being humiliated as a woman and her dignity eroded.
“KWAM 1 must also be made to know that the rule of law does not discriminate, and he is not superior to any Nigerian. He should not be made to feel he is above the law.
“Even if Wasiu Ayinde KWAM 1 is to be forgiven, it is of essence that the Police be allowed to do thorough investigation of the incident and report made public. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander.
“KWAM 1 cannot for any consideration be made an ambassador.. We are TOTALLY AGAINST his being made an ambassador in the aviation industry.
“Miss Emmason must be compensated for the humiliation she suffered.
“Ibom Air must publicly apologize to Ms Emmason and those that violated her rights should be brought to book.
“The pilots; Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and Ivan Oloba, are not treated fairly. Their licenses should not only be returned and their suspension should not be reduced but outrightly lifted.
KWAM 1 who caused the crisis ab initio is being pampered. Does Wasiu have more qualifications that made him a super Nigerian?
Rule of law should never be bent to promote illegality, immorality and acts inimical to the safety of Nigerians.
“We say NO to appointing KWAM 1 as an ambassador in the aviation industry.
“Reference must be made to our courts of law which are the haven of hope and justice for the common man.
“The courts through various decisions frown at degrading treatment and disrespecting the dignity of Nigerians. Special reference is made to the. Supreme Court decision in Gani Fawehinmi Vs Abacha ( 2000) 6 Nigeria weekly law report NWLR ( Pt 660) 228 which empowers Nigerians to seek redress when their constitutional rights are breached regardless of the offence committed , even if it’s an act of criminality. Therefore Ms Comfort Emmason has not been fairly treated.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us, nobody for any reason should take Nigerians for ransom.”
