Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has pledged support for both Ibom Air and Comfort Emmanson, the passenger whose recent altercation with the airline sparked public controversy.
Speaking on Saturday at a grand reception in his honour in Nsit Ubium, his home local government area, Governor Eno described both parties as “belonging to Akwa Ibom” and therefore deserving of collective support rather than condemnation.
Emmanson, an indigene of the state, was remanded following a disagreement with the airline’s crew but was later pardoned by Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo. She has since claimed that the incident left her traumatised and socially withdrawn.
Governor Eno, however, urged Akwa Ibom people to resist the temptation of taking sides, stressing that every crisis must be managed with wisdom and restraint.
“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,” he said. “Our money is invested in Ibom Air, so you should be proud of the airline. If there was any crisis, do not join issues with others 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 the third person to separate the fight.”
The governor did not disclose the exact nature of the support his administration would extend to Emmanson or the airline, but assured that reconciliation and healing remain paramount.
Ibom Air, wholly owned by the state government, has in recent years positioned itself as a symbol of pride for Akwa Ibom people and an emerging player in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
