The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers has urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority to reconsider its sanction on a ValueJet pilot and her assistant.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by NAAPE’s national president, Galadima Abednego, on Saturday.

The pilots were suspended after the August 5 security breach at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by superstar Fuji artiste Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, aka KWAM 1, disrupting a Lagos-bound ValueJet flight.

Mr Abednego called for a transparent, unbiased, and open investigation into the ValueJet tarmac incident involving the singer.

He agreed the ValueJet captain should have acted with optimal discretion but condemned the musician’s unruly behaviour.

According to him, aviation rests on two pillars, safety and security, and as a frontline professional association, NAAPE places the highest premium on these principles.

Mr Abednego commended the aviation minister and the NCAA director-general for the prompt and decisive action in public interest. He insisted that KWAM 1 should be held culpable for his actions.

Mr Abednego urged the NCAA to reconsider and review its decision against the ValueJet pilot and first officer, with a view to restoring their licences.

He said, “While we note the captain’s less than optimal discretion, we totally condemn KWAM 1’s crude, unruly behaviour and arrogant display.

“NAAPE calls on the authorities to lay the blame on KWAM 1 and make him face the full wrath of the law to prevent future incidents. While we are not against investigation, we demand it be open, transparent, and unbiased. The intense provocation caused by KWAM 1’s actions stretched the tolerance of seasoned pilots with unblemished records.”

Mr Abednego urged ValueJet to continue providing full support to the captain and first officer.

“NAAPE calls on all Nigerians, especially the flying public, to cooperate with lawful authorities in airports and with aviation workers. Passengers should always exercise restraint, knowing safety is aviation’s top priority. Let us cooperate with airlines to help them serve us better,” he said.

After the artiste’s initial denial and the aviation ministry announcement that he has been put on a no-fly list for holding passengers and pilots hostage, KWAM 1 posted on Friday expressing regrets for his unruly behaviour. 

(NAN)