August 25, (THEWILL) — Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has pledged support for Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger whose clash with airline crew recently stirred controversy in the aviation sector.
Emmanson, an indigene of the state, was charged to court and briefly remanded before being pardoned by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo. She was also placed on a temporary no-fly list by the state-owned airline, which was later lifted.
Speaking during a grand reception in his honour at Nsit Ubium, his home local government area, Governor Eno said the planned support would cover both Emmanson and Ibom Air, though he did not specify the form the intervention would take.
He cautioned citizens against apportioning blame, stressing that both the airline and the passenger were assets to the state and deserved understanding.
“We will continue to support our flagship airline, Ibom Air. Every Akwa Ibom person should be proud of the airline which has flown our colours. Our money is invested in Ibom Air, so you should be proud of it.
“If there was any crisis, do not join issues with those who are spoilers because they don’t love good things. Whatever had transpired, we will solve the problem.
“It was a small mistake. Both parties belong to us. The lady is our daughter. When two people fight, there is always a third person to separate the fight,” the governor said partly in Ibibio.
Emmanson, who had earlier spoken to journalists, described the incident as traumatizing, noting that she became withdrawn and unable to interact freely with people after the ordeal, which, according to her, subjected her to undue public scrutiny.
