The Federal Government’s appointment of Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) as an Aviation Security Protocol Ambassador has reignited criticism across Nigeria.
Among voices of dissent, reality star Tochi (Okechukwu) joined the chorus of disapproving Nigerians, calling the decision “so low” and questioning its message and timing.
According to justice campaigners CACOBAG and CCHR, the incident exposes troubling double standards, Comfort Emmanson, a woman accused of unruly behavior aboard an Ibom Air flight, was jailed, while KWAM 1 was handed an ambassadorial role after his own airport breach.
Tochi’s criticism aligns with this public sentiment, underscoring how the FG’s move appears to reward bad behavior, rather than hold public figures equally accountable.
Although the statement itself has yet to go viral, Tochi’s reputation as a bold voice in pop culture gives her reaction notable weight.
On August 5, KWAM 1 blocked a ValueJet aircraft from taxiing at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport and allegedly assaulted an official, drawing widespread condemnation.
After a public apology, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) reduced his flight ban from indefinite to one month and withdrew criminal charges decisions the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, says were made on “compassionate grounds”.
Keyamo defended the appointment, describing it as akin to voluntary community service aimed at reform through public engagement not a paid or prestige-bearing role
Yet critics like ex-lawmaker Dachung Bagos warn this precedent could encourage misconduct if recklessness is publicly rewarded
With voices like Tochi’s echoing the growing unease, Will the government take steps to reaffirm principles of equality and accountability in public service?
