By Huldah Shado
The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), has appealed to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to reverse the suspension of a ValueJet captain and first officer over an August 5 incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, involving Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate).
NAAPE argued the sanctions were unjust, claiming the musician’s alleged defiance of security protocols and obstruction of the aircraft triggered the confrontation.
The association said the crew, with unblemished records, were unfairly punished while the passenger faced separate legal action.
NAAPE President Galadima Abednego acknowledged the captain might have managed the situation differently but described the penalty as selective enforcement of aviation rules.
In a statement issued Saturday in Lagos, he urged the NCAA to lift the suspension and conduct a thorough investigation.
He reminded passengers that safety and security are paramount in aviation and warned that unruly conduct at airports will not be tolerated.
NAAPE also called on ValueJet to stand by its crew, stressing the need for fairness and transparency in resolving the case.
