NB247
Fuji music legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, has finally apologised for allegedly breaching aviation regulations and disrupting airline operations.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Obiageli Orah, accused the 68-year-old musician of misconduct while boarding ValueJet Airlines’ morning service (Flight VK 201) to Lagos.
According to FAAN, KWAM 1, a close associate of President Bola Tinubu, brought an alcoholic beverage onto the commercial flight.
A flight attendant reminded him that alcohol consumption is prohibited on domestic flights in Nigeria, which allegedly led to an altercation between them. The incident has since generated considerable public debate.
In an earlier statement issued Wednesday night through his spokesperson, Kunle Rasheed, KWAM 1 dismissed the allegations as exaggerated and misleading.
He claimed that FAAN, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and ValueJet apologised to him and even offered him a private flight, which he said he declined.
However, in a follow-up statement personally signed by the musician and posted on Mr Rasheed’s Facebook page on Friday, KWAM 1 tendered an apology to Nigerians and the concerned authorities.
He described the encounter at the local wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport as “unfortunate” and expressed regret over the events that unfolded between him and ValueJet officials.
He, however, said the content of his flask was not alcohol.
“Unknown to many, I suffer from chronic dehydration, and my doctor strongly advised that I remain constantly hydrated. This is why I always carry a water flask with me. And contrary to the negative narrative circulated in some quarters, the flask I carried on that particular day contained only water, not alcohol, as wrongly alleged.
“For the record, I passed through two security screenings with the flask empty. The flask was only filled with water in the lounge area, just before heading to the tarmac. This fact can be verified by the CCTV footage at the airport lounge. I hadn’t even boarded the plane, let alone being deboarded.”
KWAM 1 acknowledged the concerns raised by the incident and expressed his regret over it.
“It was never my intention to cause any disruption or violate aviation protocols in any way”, he said.
He reaffirmed his steadfast patriotism and unwavering loyalty to Nigeria, qualities he said had never been in question.
“Over the years, I have consistently used my God-given talent and platform to promote the Nigerian brand across the globe. I would never do anything to tarnish the image I’ve built over the past five decades, nor would I knowingly act in a way that could diminish the reputation of the country I love dearly. That said, I sincerely regret the incident. I remain committed to upholding the values and responsibilities that come with being a global ambassador of Nigerian music and culture.
“To the Presidency, Ministry of Aviation, FAAN, NCAA, ValueJet, fellow Nigerians, and my teeming fans across the world who have shown great concern since the incident happened, I tender my unreserved and heartfelt apology,” KWAM 1 added.
KWAM 1’s apology comes hours after the NCAA petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to prosecute him.