The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) is calling on the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to lift the suspension of ValueJet pilot Capt. Oluranti Ogoyi and her first officer.
This follows a chaotic incident on August 5 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, involving Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, better known as KWAM 1, which disrupted a flight headed to Lagos.
According to report, in a statement released Saturday, NAAPE’s president, Galadima Abednego, pushed for a fair and open investigation into what happened.
He admitted that Capt. Ogoyi could’ve handled the situation with more tact but didn’t hold back in criticizing KWAM 1’s behavior, calling it “crude, unruly, and arrogant.”
Abednego argued that the musician should face consequences too.
“Aviation is built on safety and security, and we take those seriously,” Abednego said, giving a nod to the quick response from the aviation minister and NCAA director-general.
He urged the NCAA to reinstate the pilots’ licenses, pointing out that they were pushed to their limits by KWAM 1’s actions and have otherwise spotless records.
He also encouraged ValueJet to stand by their crew.
NAAPE wrapped up by asking Nigerians, especially those flying, to work with airline and airport staff, stressing that staying calm and cooperative is crucial for everyone’s safety.
As for KWAM 1, he initially denied any fault but has since been banned from flying by the aviation ministry. On Friday, he issued a statement apologizing for the inciden
