Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has broken his silence on the controversy involving state-owned Ibom Air and a female passenger, Comfort Emmanson, pledging his government’s support for both sides.
Speaking at a Town Hall Meeting in Nsit Ubium, the governor urged Akwa Ibom people not to join in condemning the airline or the young woman, stressing that both belong to the state.
“The young lady is our daughter; Ibom Air is our airline. We are stepping in to solve the problem, so do not join the mob to castigate Ibom Air,” he appealed.
Eno reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the state’s flagship airline, saying: “My money and your money are in Ibom Air, so you must be proud of it. If there’s an issue, don’t condemn the airline we’ll resolve it. The girl and Ibom Air are from this state.”
The controversy erupted after Ms. Emmanson was forcibly removed from an Ibom Air flight in Lagos for allegedly assaulting a crew member. A viral video showed her partially stripped during the scuffle, sparking public outrage. She was later remanded in Kirikiri Prison, with Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) handing her a lifetime ban.
Mounting backlash prompted Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, to call on airlines and regulators to withdraw all legal actions against Emmanson, as well as a separate case involving music legend KWAM 1.
Governor Eno’s intervention is seen as a move to calm tensions, balance public sentiment, and protect both a rising state-owned brand and a young citizen caught in the storm.
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