A Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, who was assaulted by the House of Representatives member representing ABA North/South of Abia State in the National Assembly, Alex Ikwechegh during a package delivery, has apologised for his actions.
In a video statement on Thursday, Abuwatseya expressed regrets for provoking Ikwechegh and asked Nigerians for forgiveness.
He said: “Good day, Nigerians. My name is Stephen Abuwatseya. I had a misunderstanding with Rt. Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh a few days ago.
“I actually want to apologise to him for whatever I must have said or done to provoke him to that level of anger.
“I want to tell Nigerians that it’s not time for us to start dividing ourselves based on religion, tribes, or regions. We should actually come together, see how we can unite this nation, and move it forward.
“Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive and forget, as it’s even contained in our Lord’s Prayer, that ‘Lord, please forgive us, as we forgive those who trespass against us.’ For there is no justice without forgiveness. Thank you very much.”
Abuwatseya also thanked family and well-wishers for their support over the issue, “I want to use this medium to thank my family members, my parents, my brothers, my uncles and everybody that stood by me.
“I want to thank all of you. I love you all. Thank you. God bless Nigeria.”
On October 28, a viral video showed Ikwechegh slapping the Bolt driver in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
According to Abuwatseya, tensions escalated when he requested that Ikwechegh come outside to receive his delivery personally and asked to be paid.
In the video, the lawmaker repeatedly insisted that the request was disrespectful given his social status.
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.
“I am not going to call my policemen to beat you up. I will do that myself. I will show you that I am a big brother. I will tie you up, lie you down and put you in my generator house. Do you know where you are? Because you saw me sitting outside here. Look at this monkey,” he said.
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.”
However, a few days after the incident, Ikwechegh issued a public apology, acknowledging his actions and expressing regret over his behaviour during the altercation.
In a message posted on Instagram, the lawmaker apologised to the Bolt driver, the Nigerian Police Force, and the National Assembly, admitting that his actions did not meet the standards expected of a public official, regardless of the provocation involved.
