The House of Representatives has officially responded to the alleged assault incident involving its member, Alex Ikwechegh, and a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya. The incident gained attention after a viral video surfaced, showing the driver recounting how he was assaulted by Ikwechegh and later detained by the Nigerian Police Force, who also seized his car following the confrontation.
The footage depicted the lawmaker physically assaulting the driver, who had arrived at Ikwechegh’s residence in Abuja for a delivery. Representing the Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency in Imo State, Ikwechegh was seen slapping the driver multiple times and verbally abusing him for asking him to come to his vehicle to retrieve the delivery. He further threatened to make the driver “disappear from Nigeria,” asserting that nothing would come of such an action.
Following the altercation, Ikwechegh refused to compensate the driver, arrogantly claiming that his status as a House of Representatives member afforded him certain privileges. He not only broke the driver’s phone but also ripped his clothes, stating it was due to the driver’s “disrespect” towards him. In a menacing tone, he threatened to lock the driver in his generator house to inflict further suffering.
In response to the allegations, a press statement was released by Akin Rotimi, the Spokesman for the House of Representatives, on Monday night. The legislators emphasized that the accusations of assault are “very serious and should not be treated with a levity hand.” The statement called for patience from the public as the Nigerian Police have initiated an investigation into the incident.
The statement noted, “These reports, which have garnered widespread media coverage and public attention, detail accusations of a physical confrontation with an e-hailing driver, Citizen Stephen Abuwatseya, and the use of threatening language.” The House of Representatives expressed its commitment to ethical conduct and accountability, stating, “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.”
They underscored that any behavior that falls short of these standards is concerning and vowed to address such issues seriously. The statement further indicated awareness that the matter is currently under investigation by the Nigerian Police, urging the public to respect the due process.
“We welcome further engagement from the public on the subject, which can be shared via email at akintunde.rotimi@nass.gov.ng, akinrotimi@gmail.com, even as we continue to monitor the situation,” the statement said. The House reiterated its dedication to maintaining the values of accountability, transparency, and ethical behavior that characterize the 10th Assembly.
As the investigation unfolds, the House of Representatives committed to providing updates as more information becomes available, reaffirming its stance on maintaining high ethical standards and responding to any conduct that undermines public trust.
