Alex Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives from Aba North and South Federal Constituency, has claimed that he is now friends with Stephen Abuwatseya, the Bolt driver he assaulted last year.
The incident, which sparked public criticism, involved Ikwechegh slapping and insulting the driver who had gone to deliver a package to him at his Abuja home.
In a video recorded by the driver, the lawmaker called him a “rat” and even threatened him. The conflict reportedly started because the driver asked the politician to step outside his house to collect the package, which included snails.
Amid the backlash, Ikwechegh, who is a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), issued an apology, explaining that the issue had been resolved using alternative dispute resolution methods.
Speaking on Channels TV on Tuesday, January 28, 2024, the lawmaker reflected on the incident, calling it an “unfortunate” and “low moment” for him. He expressed regret and emphasized that it had provided an opportunity to build a relationship with the driver.
“What happened was quite unfortunate, but I take it that it’s an avenue for me as a person to also build a relationship with the young man that came. Today we are friends. It was taken to court, but of course, the court found no merits, and it was struck out,” Ikwechegh said.
The lawmaker also suggested that the public misunderstood the situation, saying the video that went viral only showed part of the story. He explained that he had felt his home was disrespected, which triggered his reaction.
“The video that everybody saw was a low moment. I felt the sanctity of my home was being desecrated. Of course, part of the video you people saw, is the part that people saw, people actually do not know what happened before that reaction. Like they say, actions preempt reactions, but whatever anybody must have seen is not indicative of who I am,” he added.
Ikwechegh reiterated that he and Abuwatseya have moved on, stating, “The young man is my friend now. I’m very close to his bishop, his pastor. And I’ve met a bunch of new friends, and today, the whole Nigerian now knows me…I guess, we’ve moved on.”
