The House of Representatives (Reps) has urged caution from the public after the Nigerian Police Force arrested a lawmaker, Alex Ikwechegh for assaulting a cab driver, Stephen Abuwatseya.
The spokesperson of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, Josephine Adeh said on Monday it had arrested a House of Reps member, Ikwechegh representing Aba North & South Federal Constituency on the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) platform for assaulting a driver in the nation’s capital.
Adeh explained in the statement that the cab driver, Abuwatseya reported the matter to the FCT command and Ikwechegh is “at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning”.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr. Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Hon. Ikwegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery. During this altercation, Mr. Abuwatseya was reportedly physically assaulted,” Adeh said.
“The FCT Police Command expresses grave concern over Hon. Ikwegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) following the incident.
“After allegedly slapping the victim, he reportedly remarked with contempt, ‘You can go ahead and call the Inspector General of Police,’ demonstrating a troubling disregard for the authority of law enforcement.”
The statement added that the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Abuja, Olatunji Disu, has mandated a thorough investigation into the matter.
“The command is committed to conducting an impartial investigation and ensuring justice in all cases. Upon completion of the investigation, appropriate legal action will be taken,” Adeh concluded.
Responding on Monday night, the House of Reps in a statement signed by spokesman, Akin Rotimi said it is monitoring media reports concerning an alleged incident involving Rep. Ikwechegh (APGA, Abia).
“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,” Rotimi said.
“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.
“Any behaviour that falls short of these standards is a matter of concern and we are committed to addressing such issues with the utmost seriousness.
“We are aware that the matter is now before the Nigeria Police and we urge the public to allow the due process of investigation to unfold.”
Rotimi said the House of Reps welcomes further engagement from the public on the subject which can be shared via email at akintunde.rotimi@nass.gov.ng and akinrotimi@gmail.com even as its members continue to monitor the situation.
He said the lawmakers remain dedicated to upholding the values of accountability, transparency and ethical behavior that define the 10th Assembly, House of Reps.
According to the spokesman, further updates will be provided on the matter as more information becomes available.
Ikwechegh was seen in a viral video assaulting a Bolt driver during the delivery of a package to him at his residence in Maitama, Abuja after the latter had filmed the altercation between them.
The lawmaker repeatedly slapped and insulted the driver for telling him to come out and get the snail the latter was meant to deliver to him.
In the footage, Ikwechegh insisted that the request was disrespectful given his social status while threatening to make the driver “disappear” without facing any consequences.
When the driver requested the delivery fee, the politician slapped him multiple times, querying the driver if he knew who he was talking to.
Realizing he was being filmed, Ikwechegh dared the driver to film him properly and call the Inspector General of Police.
Part of his words reads, “Do you know who I am? I can make this man (driver) disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen. Can you imagine this rat? I am not going to give this boy one naira of my money.
“I am not going to call my policemen to beat you up, I will do that myself. I will show that I am a big brother to you, tie you up, lie you down and put you in my generator house. Do you know where you are? Because you saw me sitting outside here. Look at this monkey.
“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.”
