Rep. Alex Ikwechegh jokes that his altercation with a Bolt driver in Abuja boosted his recognition, adding he has since built a friendship with the driver.
Rep. Alex Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North/South in the National Assembly, has addressed the altercation with e-hailing driver Stephen Abuwatseya, joking that the incident significantly increased his recognition across Nigeria.
Speaking on Channels Television’s *Sunrise Daily* on Tuesday, Ikwechegh noted that while the October 2024 assault in Abuja was an unfortunate event, it provided an opportunity to build a new relationship with Abuwatseya.
He even referred to himself as “the man that makes things disappear,” in reference to the viral video of the altercation, which saw the lawmaker slapping the driver during a disagreement over a package delivery.
“I take it as an avenue for me as a person to also build a relationship with the young man.
Today, we are friends,” Ikwechegh said, adding that the matter was taken to court, but it was struck out as the court found no merit in the case.
The lawmaker acknowledged that the video captured a low point, but stressed that viewers only saw the reaction, not the preceding events.
“Actions pre-empt reactions,” he explained, expressing regret for the way the incident unfolded.
Ikwechegh also emphasised that the incident did not reflect his character, pointing to his long public service career without any prior scandals.
He shared that, since the altercation, he had made new connections, including with Abuwatseya’s pastor, and the two had resolved their differences through alternative dispute resolution.
The assault occurred on October 28, 2024, when the Bolt driver had gone to Ikwechegh’s residence in Maitama, Abuja, to deliver a package.
The altercation, which was recorded by Abuwatseya, went viral, showing the visibly upset lawmaker slapping and insulting the driver.
Following the incident, Ikwechegh issued a public apology, acknowledging that his actions fell short of the standards expected of a public official.
He also extended his apologies to the Nigerian Police Force and the National Assembly.
The case led to Ikwechegh being arraigned at a Kuje Magistrates’ Court on charges of abuse of office, assault, and threat to life. He was granted ₦500,000 bail.
However, in an unexpected twist, the Bolt driver later issued a public apology to Ikwechegh, expressing regret for provoking the lawmaker and seeking forgiveness from Nigerians.
