Akwa Ibom State Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission (EARCOM) has distanced itself from remarks made online by one of its board members, Rev. Osondu Ahirika, defending an unruly passenger aboard Ibom Air.

In a statement signed by its Chair-person, Dr. Dorothy Thompson, EARCOM stressed that the comments were Ahirika’s personal opinion expressed in his private capacity as a pastor, and not the official position of the Commission.

“EARCOM did not authorize, sanction, or endorse the said post. The sentiments expressed therein do not reflect the mission or policies of the Commission,” the statement clarified.

The Commission regretted any misrepresentation the post may have caused to stakeholders, especially young people, and reaffirmed its commitment to ethical conduct, integrity, and responsible communication in line with the Arise Agenda of the state government.

EARCOM urged the media and the public to treat Ahirika’s post strictly as a personal expression and not as the voice of the Commission.