An embattled member of the House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh, has tendered a public apology for assaulting a Bolt driver Stephen Abuwatseya in the nation’s capital city Abuja.
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In a statement on Tuesday, Ikwechegh regretted the “unfortunate” incident which does “not reflect the values and character I strive to uphold, both as a citizen and as a representative of the people”.
“I sincerely apologise for my words and actions during this incident. I recognize the distress and frustration this has caused Citizen Abuwatseya, his family, and the public at large. As a public servant, I understand the weight of my role and how my words can impact others.
“While I am human and not infallible, I remain accountable for my actions. Citizen Abuwatseya and I have explored alternative dispute resolution methods to address this issue and have reached a respectful resolution, which I am committed to following through.”
The lawmaker also apologised 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.”
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has urged Nigerians to wait for the outcome of an investigation by the police.
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.
Ikwechegh represents Aba North & South Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Going by the conversation recorded in the viral video, the lawmaker had ordered some snails from a vendor who engaged the services of the e-hailing App driver to deliver the goods.
A heated disagreement ensued when the Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, arrived at the lawmaker’s residence and asked to be paid.
A furious Ikwechegh was heard speaking with the vendor on the phone. “How can this stupid idiot come to me and tell me that I am supposed to come and meet him in his car and pick up a snail I am buying from you? I can make this man disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen.” the lawmaker 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 alerted that the episode was recorded, the lawmaker told the driver: “My name is Honourable Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh, I am a member of the House of Reps, tell them. Call the Inspector General of Police, let him come.”
Many Nigerians online have demanded that justice be served in the matter.
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