By Femi Anamelechi
The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has expressed satisfaction and commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his intervention in the recent controversies involving Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as Kwam 1, and airline passenger Comfort Emmanson.The Association commended the minister’s decision to reduce sanctions imposed on Kwam 1 and to request the withdrawal of criminal complaints against Emmanson, describing the moves “as constructive steps toward reconciliation and restoring public confidence in the aviation sector.”This was disclosed In a statement signed by NAS Cap’n, Dr Joseph Oteri, the group noted that its stance was not to excuse unruly behaviour but to insist that all individuals—regardless of status—face equal legal consequences for breaching aviation safety protocols. Oteri commended the minister’s balanced approach, which acknowledged faults on all sides and reflected a corrective, not selective, form of justice.NAS however warned that the peaceful resolutions by the Minister should not be mistaken for leniency towards misconduct. Oteri stressed that compassion must go hand in hand with deterrence, emphasising that safety rules remain non-negotiable for passengers and airline staff alike.The group also applauded the minister’s directive to organise a retreat aimed at retraining aviation security personnel and reviewing airline staff conduct. NAS called on the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and airline operators to enforce transparent monitoring and intensify public awareness campaigns on passenger behaviour and associated penalties.Oteri concluded that air travel is a shared responsibility, requiring passengers to respect safety regulations, airlines to act professionally, and regulators to apply the law impartially, adding that recent incidents could mark a turning point for safer and fairer skies in Nigeria.
