The House of Representatives has urged Nigerians to allow due process of investigation to unfold the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault of a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, by a member of the House, Alex Ikwechegh (APGA-Abia), in Abuja.
The House said this in a statement issued by its spokesman, Akin Rotimi, on Monday, October 28, 2024.
Rotimi noted that the House has been monitoring media reports on incident.
He said: “The 10th Assembly, House of Representatives, takes these allegations very seriously. As elected officials, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability in our official engagements and privately.
“Any behaviour that falls short of these standards is a matter of concern, and we are committed to addressing such issues with the utmost seriousness.
“We are aware that the matter is now before the Nigeria Police, and we urge the public to allow the due process of investigation to unfold.
Police react as Reps member assaults Bolt driver in Abuja
“We welcome further engagement from the public on the subject, which can be shared via email at [email protected], [email protected], even as we continue to monitor the situation.”
Rotimi added that the lawmakers remain dedicated to upholding the values of accountability, transparency, and ethical behavior that define the 10th House of Representatives.
A viral video had captured Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency, assaulting the Bolt driver.
According to the conversation recorded in the viral video, the lawmaker had ordered some snails from a vendor who engaged the services of the Bolt driver to deliver the goods.
A heated disagreement ensued when the driver arrived at the lawmaker’s residence in the Maitama area of Abuja and asked to be paid.
Ikwechegh accused the Bolt driver of disrespecting him and slapped the latter multiple times.
The lawmaker said: “Do you know who I am? I can make this man (driver) disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen. Can you imagine this rat? I am not going to give this boy one naira of my money.
“I am not going to call my policemen to beat you up, I will do that myself. I will show that I am a big brother to you, 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.
“Do you know who I am I just slapped you and there’s nothing you will do. My name is Honourable Alex Ikwechegh, tell them (public) I slapped you. Call the Inspector General of Police that I slapped you, let him come. Record me very well.”
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has since arrested Ikwechegh for assaulting the Bolt driver.
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