‎Pilots urge NCAA to lift sanction on ValueJet crew over KWAM 1 incident

‎The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers has appealed to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority to review its suspension of a ValueJet pilot and co-pilot following an incident at Abuja airport involving Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1.

‎In a statement issued in Lagos on Saturday, NAAPE President Galadima Abednego called for an open and unbiased investigation into the matter. The NCAA had suspended the two crew members over alleged safety violations and, on the directive of Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, placed KWAM 1 on a six-month no-fly list for unruly conduct at the ValueJet tarmac.

‎The musician, who initially denied misbehaving or carrying alcohol in his flask before boarding the Abuja-Lagos flight, later issued a public apology.

‎Abednego acknowledged that the pilot could have exercised better discretion but maintained that KWAM 1’s actions were provocative and unacceptable. He said aviation operates on the twin principles of safety and security, which NAAPE strongly upholds.

‎While commending the minister and NCAA leadership for swift action, Abednego urged the regulator to restore the licences of the suspended crew, noting their previously unblemished records.

‎He stressed that passengers must show restraint and cooperate with aviation staff, adding that KWAM 1 should be held accountable to deter similar incidents in the future.

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