An e-hailing driver, Stephen Abuwatseya has apologised to the House of Representatives member representing ABA North/South of Abia State in the National Assembly, Alex Ikwechegh who assaulted him after an altercation occurred during a package delivery.
In a video statement released to the press on Thursday, Abuwatseya expressed regret for provoking Ikwechegh and asked Nigerians for forgiveness.
He also urged everyone to move on from the incident.
He stated, “Good day, Nigerians. My name is Stephen Abuwatseya. I had a misunderstanding with Rt. Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh a few days ago. I actually want to apologise to him for whatever I must have said or done to provoke him to that level of anger.
“I want to tell Nigerians that it’s not time for us to start dividing ourselves based on religion, tribes, or regions. We should actually come together, see how we can unite this nation, and move it forward.
“Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive and forget, as it’s even contained in our Lord’s Prayer, that ‘Lord, please forgive us, as we forgive those who trespass against us.’ For there is no justice without forgiveness. Thank you very much.”
The driver also thanked his family and well-wishers for their support over the issue, “I want to use this medium to thank my family members, my parents, my brothers, my uncles and everybody that stood by me. I want to thank all of you. I love you all. Thank you. God bless Nigeria.”
On October 28, the PUNCH reports that Ikwechegh assaulted the Bolt driver who went to deliver a package to him.
In a viral video, Abuwatseya captured the altercation at Ikwechegh’s residence in Maitama, Abuja.
The footage shows the visibly angry lawmaker repeatedly slapping and insulting the driver after the driver asked him to come outside to collect a package of snails meant for delivery.
Following the incident, Ikwechegh issued a public apology, acknowledging his actions and expressing regret over his behaviour during the altercation.
In a message posted on Instagram, the lawmaker apologised to the Bolt driver, the Nigerian Police Force, and the National Assembly, admitting that his actions did not meet the standards expected of a public official, regardless of the provocation involved.
Ikwechegh shared that he and Abuwatseya had engaged in alternative dispute resolution, resulting in a “mutual and respectful agreement” between them.
A Nigerian lawmaker and a delivery driver – inequality in power dynamics cannot be greater. Especially in Nigeria, where a person at the lower end of the power distance has no protection or recourse whatsoever. No matter the verbal provocation, the lawmaker knowing the amount of power he has over the delivery man, should have respected his privileged status and walk away.
Not to excuse the driver, let’s consider that prevalent misery and poverty in Nigeria can contribute to his rude behavior toward a lawman belonging to a ruling class that is responsible for his misery and poverty.