Honourable Alex Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives who landed himself in trouble by allegedly slapping a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, has expressed regrets over his unwarranted misbehaviour.
The regrets however came after the Police have commenced investigation into the alleged slapping incident. This was also after his political party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) threatened to sanction him over the incident which it described as “totally unacceptable.”
Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North/South Federal Constituency of Abia State, walked into trouble on Sunday when he purportedly assaulted and slapped the Bolt driver, Abuwatseya, who was in his house at Maitama, Abuja for delivery.
Ikwechegh was seen in a video clip that has gone viral slapping and brutalising the Bolt driver and hurling insults, invectives and expletives on the Bolt driver for daring to ask him to come to his car to collect what he (the driver) was there to deliver.
Ikwechegh also allegedly threatened to make the driver disappear from Nigeria, saying nothing would happen if he did, even if the Bolt driver called the Inspector General of Police.
The slapping lawmaker allegedly refused to pay the driver, boasting that he is a member of the House of Representatives. He also threatened to lock the Bolt driver in his generator house to make him suffer.
A walk into the police net
Shortly afterwards, the Nigeria Police Force Complaint Response Unit (NPF-CRU) said it has launched investigation into the slapping incident.
The Police stated that investigation was launched after the Bolt driver lodged a complaint about the incident at the Maitama Divisional Police Headquarters.
In a statement on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, also warned members of the public to refrain from using the name and office of the IGP to intimidate others.
The statement read: “The Nigeria Police Force is aware of the incident between a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, and Hon. Alexander Ikwechegh, which took place on 27 October, 2024, in Maitama, Abuja.
“The FCT Command is actively handling the case following Mr. Abuwatseya’s official report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters.
“The Police Force also urges the public to refrain from using the name or office of the Inspector-General of Police to intimidate others, as such actions undermine the values of impartiality that the IGP’s office upholds.”
More troubles for the slapping lawmaker
The political party on which platform the slapping lawmaker was elected, APGA, in its reaction to the slapping incident, also condemned the assault meted out on the Bolt driver.
The APGA leadership declared that a disciplinary committee shall be set up, in line with party’s constitution, to investigate the unbecoming act with a view to impose appropriate sanctions on Ikwechegh, if found wanting.
Reacting to the development, APGA National Publicity Secretary, Ejimofor Opara, in a statement on Monday, described the lawmaker’s act as ”totally unacceptable” and was contrary to what the party represented.
“The attention of our great party, the APGA has been drawn to a viral video of alleged assault meted out to a citizen by the Honourable member representing Aba North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Alex Ikwechegh.
“As a political party founded on respect for human rights, we roundly condemn the action of our said member and federal parliamentarian, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, representing Aba North/South Federal Constituency, on the platform of our great party.
“As a party, we are founded on the basic principles of upholding the dignity of all humans, irrespective of class, creed and/or ethnicity.
“However, the recent video allegedly showing Hon. Ikwechegh assaulting a cab driver is totally unacceptable and runs counter to what our party, APGA, represents.
“In line with APGA’s constitution, the leadership of the party shall set up a disciplinary committee to investigate the act, and if found wanting, appropriate sanctions shall be meted on him in line with the Constitution of APGA.”
Opara stated that APGA members and elected officials are expected to exhibit high standards of decorum, civility and integrity. He added that it will not tolerate conduct contrary to its founding ideals and emphasises mutual accountability among members.
Several groups have also been demanding for the arrest and prosecution of the slapping federal lawmaker over the alleged assault on the Bolt driver and his threat to make him disappear.
A slapping lawmaker’s “Statement of Regret and Commitment to Justice”
The troubled federal lawmaker has owned up to slapping the Bolt driver. He stated in a statement dated 28 October, 2024 that his unacceptable behaviour was disturbing and unbecoming of a public official.
“I, Honourable Alex Ikwechegh, member of the House of Representatives, wish to address a deeply disturbing incident that occurred at my residence recently.
“A video has surfaced showing me engaging in unacceptable behavior towards an Uber driver who came to deliver a waybill for me.
“I am deeply sorry for my actions and acknowledge that they were unacceptable and unbecoming of a public official. As a public servant, I recognise the trust placed in me by my constituents and the Nigerian people.
“My behaviour fell short of the standards expected of me, and for that, I am truly sorry. I understand that my actions have caused harm and embarrassment to the driver, my constituents and the nation at large,” he wrote in the statement.
The slapping lawmaker also gave an assurance that he was cooperating with the Police in the investigation into the slapping incident.
“I support their efforts to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible are held accountable.
“I also appreciate the swift condemnation of my actions by my party and the Nigerian Police, demonstrating our collective commitment to upholding the law and protecting the rights of all citizens,” he added.
Honourable Alex Ikwechegh expressed his commitment to change as he stated that he was taking immediate steps “to address the underlying issues that led to this incident.
“I am seeking professional counseling to ensure that such behaviour never happens again. Additionally, I will be engaging in community service initiatives focused on promoting respect, empathy, and understanding.”
The slapping lawmaker also took time out to call to action, urging all Nigerians to join him “in promoting a culture of respect, tolerance and understanding. We must work together to build a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
“Thank you for your understanding, and I hope that you will join me on this journey towards healing and growth.”
