After a viral video showing Nigerian Member of Parliament Alex Ikwechegh slapping and verbally attacking Bolt driver Stephen Abuwatseya, delivering food to his house, Alex Ikwechegh publicly apologized. The event happened in Abuja and has spurred the House of Representatives and police inquiry. In his apologies, Ikwechegh admitted the gravity of his conduct and the “weight of [his] role” as a public servant.
What Led to the Heated Exchange Over Food Delivery?
The conflict started when Bolt driver Abuwatseya took a job delivering snails to Abuja’s house. Arriving, Abuwatseya asked the politician to step outside and pick up the food. From Abia state in southeast Nigeria, the 44-year-old MP objected to the proposal because she thought it rude. Sensing the mounting stress, the driver started videotaping their exchange, which became a furious dispute on manners and payment.
Ikwechegh is audible in the video, challenging the driver’s respect. “So, you think I will give you my money with the way you have spoken to me?” the legislator probes. Abuwatseya answered coolly, “I did a job for you, sir. You have to pay me.”
At this, the MP phoned the seller from whom he had ordered the snails to voice concerns over the driving behavior. “How can this stupid idiot come to my house and tell me that I’m supposed to come and meet him in his car and pick up the snail that I’m buying from you?” Ikwechegh remarked in a nasty tirade directed towards the vendor. Try to picture this rat. Nothing would happen if I could make this man vanish over Nigeria.
How Did the Threats and Physical Assault Escalate?
Ikwechegh was seen in the video slapping Abuwatseya and carrying on his verbal onslaught; thus, the exchange swiftly became physical. Emphasizing his rank, he often asked the driver if he knew who he was. He questioned many times, “How dare you?” Ikwechegh threatens at one section of the video, saying, “I will beat you up. I will show you my prominent brother status. I’ll lock you in my generator house, lie you down, and give you a whirl-around smack. How could you?
Disturbed, Abuwatseya kept filming the incident until Ikwechegh tried to grab his phone, cutting off the footage. Abuwatseya was shown bare-chested in a later video uploaded online and said that Ikwechegh had slapped him three times overall after tearing his shirt.
How Have the Police and Lawmakers Responded?
On Monday, the Nigerian police released a statement attesting to their ongoing investigation of the event. They also reminded the public not to threaten or intimidate individuals using the name of the Inspector General of Police, a practice the MP had allegedly followed during his outburst.
Ikwechegh made an official statement on Tuesday, apologizing to the police commander. “I understand the inadvertent negative impact my comments might have had on his person, his office, and the whole university,” he stated.
Subsequently, the House of Representatives took the subject to its ethics committee. According to reports, legislators will carefully examine Ikwechegh’s activities and weight suitable disciplinary action.
What Lessons Has the MP Drawn From the Incident?
In his apologies, Ikwechegh considered the episode “a humbling reminder of the need for restraint and self-control, especially in challenging circumstances.” The MP also said he wanted to take advantage of the event as a personal and professional development chance. “I am dedicated to using this experience as an opportunity for development, both as a citizen and as a more sympathetic representative of the people,” he said.
Has a Respectful Resolution Been Reached?
To handle the consequences, Ikwechegh said he and Abuwatseya “examined alternative dispute resolution methods” and came to a “respectful resolution” of the problem. Still unknown, though, are the specifics of the arrangement.
The episode exposed issues about the misuse of authority and spurred a national debate on the behavior required of public authorities. The issue reminds us sharply of the obligations to which elected officials are held while the police and House of Representatives ethics committee investigate.
