House of Representatives member Alex Ikwechegh on Tuesday tendered an apology over his violent conduct towards a Bolt driver, describing himself as one who is “human’ and “infallible.”
Hours after footage of him slapping the Bolt driver went viral and sparked a backlash among internet users who accused the legislator of misusing his position and oppressing regular citizens, Mr Ikwechegh issued an apology in a statement he read at the National Assembly Complex on Tuesday.
Mr Ikwechegh said he “deeply regrets” his actions.
“What began as a misunderstanding escalated into actions and remarks I deeply regret, which do not reflect the values and character I strive to uphold, both as a citizen and as a representative of the people,” he said on Tuesday.
“I sincerely apologise for my words and actions during this incident. I recognise the distress and frustration this has caused Citizen Abuwatseya, his family, and the public at large. As a public servant, I understand the weight of my role and how my words can impact others,” the lawmaker said.
Mr Ikwechegh said as a human who is infallible, he was bound to make mistakes but that he was already seeking ways to resolve the dispute.
“While I am human and not infallible, I remain accountable for my actions. Citizen Abuwatseya and I have explored alternative dispute resolution methods to address this issue and have reached a respectful resolution, which I am committed to following through.”
Read also: Reps “monitoring” report on assault incident involving Alex Ikwechegh and Bolt driver
Alex Ikwechegh apologises to police chief, Kayode Egbetokun
Mr Ikwechegh also apologised to Inspector- General of Police Kayode Egbetokun whose position he bragged with, to intimidate the Bolt driver. He had implied during the altercation that he was not going to be prosecuted because of a presumed connection between his position as a lawmaker and the police chief.
“I extend my heartfelt apologies to the Inspector General of Police, recognising the unintended disparagement my remarks may have caused to his person, his office, and the entire institution. I reaffirm my respect for the Nigerian Police Force and the Inspector General’s commitment to maintaining law and order,” Mr Ikwechegh walked back his words in the letter.
He apologised to his colleagues in the House of Representatives for bringing disrepute to the revered office of the legislator.
“I extend my sincere apologies to the leadership and members of this House and the National Assembly as a whole for any deficit in goodwill this incident may have caused. I am aware that my actions reflect not only on myself but also on this esteemed institution and the trust that the public places in us.”
Why Nigerian lawmaker gave thunderous slaps to Bolt driver
In the viral video, Mr Ikwechegh had struck the Bolt driver across the cheek repeatedly and made boast of his political influence, adding that he could get away with assaulting the driver.
He hurled insults and threats on the driver for refusing to enter his house to deliver the food package. The driver instead parked his vehicle in front of Mr Ikwechegh’s residence and called him to pick up.
“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,” he bragged.
“You will not get a penny from me with this level of disrespect. You will suffer, I will deal with you,” he continued threatening the Bolt driver.
Still, Nigerians remained unmoved by the lawmaker’s words asserting he only apologised because he got caught. Majority of netizens demand his prosecution to deter powerful figures from toeing the same path of assaulting regular citizens.
Meanwhile, Stephen Abuwatseya -the Bolt driver- already filed a petition through his legal counsel Marvin Omorogbe of Deji Adeyanju & Partners law firm on October 28, asking the IGP Egbetokun to investigate and prosecute the lawmaker for threat against his life.