Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, on Monday dissolved the Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission (EARCOM) with immediate effect, after the agency courted public backlash for endorsing an ambassadorial role for Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger whose unruly behaviour recently went viral.
The decision was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, which directed the Commission’s chairman to hand over to the Director of Administration and Supplies before disengagement.
The move comes just days after EARCOM publicly defended Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo’s suggestion that Ms. Emmanson be made an ambassador for good passenger conduct — a proposal that has sparked nationwide outrage.
On a radio programme in Abuja, EARCOM board member, Rev. Osondu Ahirika, had argued that the award was a corrective measure aimed at turning “evil for good through mindset change, ethical reset and attitudinal transformation.” He maintained that “every sinner who repents has a decent future,” insisting the initiative carried no financial benefit.
Ms. Emmanson, who was only recently released from prison following government intervention and Ibom Air’s withdrawal of its complaint, had apologised for the incident. EARCOM urged her to use the opportunity for self-reflection and character reevaluation, while also commending Ibom Air for its service excellence.
However, critics blasted the Commission for appearing to reward misconduct, accusing it of undermining its very mandate. Governor Eno’s swift dissolution of the agency is widely seen as an attempt to douse public anger and reinforce his administration’s commitment to discipline, integrity and ethical values in the state.
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