Stephen Abuwatseya, a Bolt driver involved in a physical altercation with Hon. Alex Ikwechegh, the member of the House of Representatives for Aba North/South, has issued a public apology.
In a video shared, Abuwatseya expressed regret for the incident, apologizing to the lawmaker and others who may have been offended by his actions.
The driver acknowledged the disagreement with Rt. Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, explaining that his words and behavior during the confrontation were inappropriate.
He appealed to Nigerians to forgive him and urged unity, stressing the importance of putting aside differences of religion, ethnicity, or region in order to move the country forward.
“I want to tell Nigerians that this is not the time for division. We need to unite and be our brother’s keeper, regardless of where we come from.”
In his message of remorse, Abuwatseya also thanked his family and supporters for standing by him during the challenging time.
He emphasized that, as a young person trying to make an honest living, he harbors no ill will toward anyone.
This apology came after Hon. Ikwechegh also issued a public statement, acknowledging his own role in the incident and expressing regret for his behavior.
The lawmaker apologized to both Abuwatseya and the Nigerian public, including the Nigerian Police Force and the National Assembly, stating that his actions were not representative of the conduct expected from a public official.
Ikwechegh explained that, after the altercation, he had engaged in a process of reconciliation with Abuwatseya, which led to a peaceful resolution. The two reached a “mutual and respectful agreement,” according to Ikwechegh.
The confrontation, which was captured on video and widely shared on social media, showed the lawmaker slapping Abuwatseya multiple times after a dispute about the driver’s behavior.
During the heated exchange, Ikwechegh reportedly made threatening remarks, claiming he could make the driver “disappear without a trace.”
Following public backlash over his actions, the lawmaker faced legal consequences. He was charged in an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court, where he was granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties.
