Onoh Criticizes KWAM1’s Appointment As FAAN Ambassador

Onoh Criticizes KWAM1’s Appointment As FAAN Ambassador

The Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of Enugu State House of Assembly, Dr. Josef Onoh has criticized the appointment of Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an airport security protocol ambassador by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

KWAM1’s appointment came shortly after he caused security breach at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja on his scheduled flight to Lagos.

Flaying the appointment, Onoh said that it was a misguided decision that undermines aviation safety, damages Nigeria’s international reputation, and sets a dangerous precedent by rewarding misconduct.

He noted that KWAM 1’s involvement in a serious incident on August 5, 2025, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where he allegedly carried a prohibited flask, spilled its contents on a personnel, and obstructed a ValueJet aircraft from taxiing, was a clear violation of aviation security protocols.

“Therefore, appointing him as an ambassador for airport security sends a message to the international community that Nigeria is lenient with breaches of aviation safety, potentially eroding trust in its aviation sector. This could lead to scrutiny from international aviation bodies like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which emphasizes strict adherence to safety and security standards.”

He said that Nigerians and beyond were already of the opinion that the actions of the government is more aligned with Perception of Favoritism and Lack of Accountability because the decision to reduce KWAM 1’s six-month flight ban to one month and his appointment as an ambassador, despite his actions, reinforces a global perception of Nigeria as a nation where celebrity status and influence can override accountability.

“This could further damage Nigeria’s reputation, already challenged by criticisms of current governance and institutional integrity, suggesting a pattern of rewarding controversial figures with prestigious roles instead of enforcing consequences.”

He reminded the minister for Aviation, Festus Keyamo that internationally, Nigeria’s aviation sector is under scrutiny to meet global standards, and that appointing someone recently involved in a security breach to promote proper conduct risks being viewed as a publicity stunt rather than a genuine commitment to reform.

“This could lead to skepticism from foreign travelers, airlines, and investors about Nigeria’s seriousness in upholding aviation security, potentially impacting tourism and economic partnerships.”

Onoh went further to provide grounds for questioning KWAM 1’s Moral Character: “Being a celebrity and a frequent flyer, KWAM 1’s actions—carrying a prohibited flask , spilling its contents on airport personnel, and obstructing an aircraft—demonstrate a disregard for aviation safety protocols. Such behavior in a sensitive area like an airport tarmac, where strict adherence to rules is critical, raises questions about his judgment and suitability to represent security standards.”

Onoh said that while KWAM 1 issued a public apology, claiming the flask contained water for medical purposes, his initial actions suggest a lack of respect for authority and protocol, noting that the apology, issued only after public backlash and a flight ban, appears reactive rather than reflective of genuine remorse.

“This undermines his credibility as a role model for promoting compliance, as his actions directly contradicted the values he would be tasked to uphold.

“Without prejudice, appointing KWAM1 sends the wrong message by appearing to reward misconduct rather than penalizing it. His celebrity status does not inherently qualify him to advocate for security protocols, especially given his recent violation.

“Other nations have taken stricter measures against individuals involved in similar aviation security breaches, emphasizing accountability over leniency.”

Onoh provided examples of comparable incidents and actions taken, citing that in 2021, in a United States of America, a disruptive Passenger Incidents, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) adopted a zero-tolerance policy for unruly passengers following a surge in disruptive incidents.