Uyo, Akwa Ibom State | August 14, 2025
The Grand Council of Ikpaisong Ibibio has expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government and Nigerians nationwide following the release of Miss Comfort Emmanson from Kirikiri Prison. In an official statement signed by Oku-Idem Ikpaisong Ibibio, the Council specifically thanked Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo for his “prompt and impartial intervention,” which resulted in Emmanson’s freedom and the reversal of her lifetime flight ban with Ibom Air.
The Council highlighted the significance of public solidarity, acknowledging “the overwhelming support of all Nigerians who stood in solidarity with us.” This unity, they noted, has “reinforced our collective dedication to justice, mutual respect, and the preservation of human dignity.” While recognizing Ibom Air as a valuable national asset, the statement urged the airline to invest in “comprehensive professional development” for staff, emphasizing “active listening, empathy, and sound judgment.” The Council firmly declared that “corrective guidance is always more constructive than condemnation” when addressing passenger concerns.
Concluding the statement, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to societal harmony: “Let this outcome stand as a testament to what can be achieved when dialogue, cultural values, and the pursuit of justice work together for the common good.”
The statement reads in full:
August 14th, 2025.
**APPRECIATION ON THE RELEASE OF MISS COMFORT EMMANSON**
The Grand Council of Ikpaisong Ibibio extends its deepest appreciation to the **Federal Government of Nigeria** and to the **Honourable Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN**, for their prompt and impartial intervention in the case of *Miss Comfort Emmanson*, resulting in her release from Kirikiri Prison and the removal of certain conditions, including the previously imposed lifetime flight ban.
We also wish to acknowledge, with sincere gratitude, the overwhelming support of **all Nigerians** who stood in solidarity with us following our public statement. Your unity of purpose and commitment to fairness have reinforced our collective dedication to justice, mutual respect, and the preservation of human dignity.
While we recognize **Ibom Airlines** as a valuable institution in our nation’s aviation industry, we respectfully urge its management to prioritize **comprehensive professional development** for its staff—emphasizing active listening, empathy, and sound judgment when addressing passengers’ concerns. We firmly believe that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, and that corrective guidance is always more constructive than condemnation.
The Grand Council remains committed to promoting moral values and responsible conduct among our people, while encouraging harmony between service providers and the public. Let this outcome stand as a testament to what can be achieved when dialogue, cultural values, and the pursuit of justice work together for the common good.
**Signed**
*Oku-Idem Ikpaisong Ibibio*
For: **Grand Council of Ikpaisong Ibibio**
