Alex Ikwechegh Issues Apology to Assaulted Bolt Driver
Alex Ikwechegh, an embattled member of the House of Representatives, has issued a public apology for beating Bolt driver Stephen Abuwatseya in the country’s capital, Abuja.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Ikwechegh expressed remorse for the “unfortunate” occurrence, which “does not reflect the values and character I strive to uphold, both as a citizen and a representative of the people.”
“I genuinely apologize for my remarks and conduct throughout this situation. I recognize the grief and frustration this has caused Citizen Abuwatseya, his family, and the general public. As a public servant, I recognize the importance of my work and how my comments can affect others.
“While I am human and not infallible, I accept responsibility for my acts. Citizen Abuwatseya and I investigated alternate dispute resolution techniques to resolve this matter and established a courteous agreement, which I intend to follow through on.”
The legislator also apologized to the Inspector General of Police for his “unintended disparaging remarks”.
“Additionally, I extend my sincere apologies to the leadership and members of this House and the National Assembly as a whole for any deficit in goodwill this incident may have caused.”
On Monday, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command detained and quizzed Ikwechegh at the Maitama Police Station over the incident. In a now-viral video, the House of Representatives member was seen slapping the Bolt driver.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has encouraged Nigerians to await the results of a police probe.
Ikwechegh represents Aba North & South Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
“I Can Make You Disappear”: Reps Member Ikwechegh Caught Assaulting Bolt Driver Over Snail Delivery
In the video, Ikwechegh can be seen angrily confronting and hitting the driver while making threatening remarks. “Can you imagine this rat? I can make this man disappear in this… pic.twitter.com/ZQx7aw0rdQ
— The Nigeria Lawyer (@Nigerialawyers) October 28, 2024
According to the exchange recorded in the viral video, the politician requested some snails from a vendor, who then hired an e-hailing App driver to deliver the products.
When the Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, arrived at the lawmaker’s home and demanded payment, a heated argument broke out.
A irate Ikwechegh was overheard on the phone with the vendor. “How can this foolish moron come to me and tell me that I need to meet him in his car to pick up the snail I bought from you? I can make this man disappear across Nigeria, and nothing will happen.” The legislator blurted to the speaker on the other side.
After the phone conversation with the snail vendor, Ikwechegh faced Abuwatseya and said, “You will not get a penny from me with this level of disrespect. You will suffer, I will deal with you.”
The APGA lawmaker fulfilled his threat and thudded two slaps on the cheeks of the driver who maintained his composure in the face of the assault.
To capture that he had been slapped, the Bolt driver asked, “Are you slapping me, sir?”
“I just did, slap me back. How dare you?” the lawmaker angrily retorted.
“Do you slap me thrice sir?”
“Twice, you will soon receive the third one.”
When the legislator learned that the episode had been recorded, he informed the driver, “My name is Honourable Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh, and I am a member of the House of Representatives. Tell them.” Call the Inspector General of Police and invite him.”
Many Nigerians have asked that justice be given in the case.
