The Appointment Of Wasiu Ayinde By The Federal Govt as an Ambassador Sounds Embarrassing| Amb. Adedipe Dauda Ewenla
The recent appointment of Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) as an “Ambassador” following his misconduct at an airport is not only a national embarrassment but also a dangerous precedent for Nigeria. It reflects the steady erosion of accountability under the current APC-led government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, turning Nigeria into a laughing stock in the eyes of the world. No wonder many citizens are leaving for Western countries in search of justice, dignity, and order.
- The Facts of the Offense
It is public knowledge that Wasiu Ayinde, a prominent APC figure and political ally of the President, committed an offence that was both intentional and borne out of arrogance rooted in the infamous mentality of “Do you know who I am?”.
Eyewitness accounts and credible reports indicate that he poured alcohol on the face of the female pilot and crew members in a fit of entitlement and disregard for aviation safety. This is not a spontaneous emotional outburst; it is deliberate misconduct, executed with the belief that political influence would shield him from consequences. - Selective Justice and Abuse of Due Process
Under Section 17(2)(a) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), “every citizen shall have equality of rights, obligations and opportunities before the law.”
Yet, before even serving his one-month ban, the Federal Government reduced his penalty and elevated him to an “Ambassadorial” role. To make matters worse, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, only ordered an investigation into his actions two days ago—and he has not even been invited for questioning. This is a mockery of due process. - The Pilot Deserves Justice, Not Humiliation
What compensation or justice has been given to the woman pilot who endured this assault? Has her licence been reinstated? Has she been recalled to duty? If anyone deserves an ambassadorial appointment, it is this woman whose dignity and professional standing were attacked not her assailant. Elevating the perpetrator sends a shameful message that arrogance and political connections are rewarded in Nigeria. - Encouraging Lawlessness Through Government Action
By honouring Wasiu Ayinde despite his misconduct, the Federal Government is effectively telling Nigerians: commit an offence, display political loyalty, and expect a government appointment. This is a dangerous precedent that undermines public morality, weakens institutional authority, and encourages the breakdown of law and order. - The Case of Comfort Emmanson Selective Outrage
As one of the leading advocates for the release of Ms. Comfort Emmanson, I must state clearly: I fought for her release because she was unjustly treated, humiliated, and mishandled an abuse no citizen should suffer. However, I do not support her appointment as an ambassador. Anger in public, especially under the economic hardship caused by Tinubu’s APC government, is understandable. She is a single mother struggling under dire conditions. But even so, her ambassadorial role should not precede the arrest and prosecution of those Ibom Air staff who manhandled and publicly shamed her. - The Constitutional Principle at Stake
Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”. Rewarding arrogance and political privilege over justice and fairness is a violation of that principle. It erodes public trust and signals to ordinary citizens that the law is not for all it is for the powerless.
Conclusion
The Federal Government should rescind the ambassadorial appointment of Wasiu Ayinde and instead demonstrate a commitment to justice by:
Ensuring his case is properly investigated and prosecuted without political interference.
Restoring the dignity and career of the female pilot by reinstating her and offering her the recognition she deserves.
Arresting and prosecuting the Ibom Air staff who violated Ms. Comfort Emmanson’s rights before considering any honorary roles for her.
Nigeria cannot build a just and orderly society by rewarding deliberate misconduct with symbolic honours. The arrogance displayed by Wasiu Ayinde was not a heat-of-the-moment lapse; it was a calculated act, and such behaviour should never be rewarded—whether paid or unpaid.
Prince Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla
Technician Surveyor | Real Estate Investor | Security Expert | Advocate for Justice
Nis Psu DiL BSc B-Tech MSc
