Alex Ikwechegh, a House of Representatives member representing Aba North/South in Abia State, has described how a widely publicized altercation with a Bolt driver earned him unexpected recognition. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Ikwechegh joked that Nigerians now know him as “the man that makes things disappear” following the incident in October 2024.
Ikwechegh’s comments referred to a viral video where he was seen slapping and berating Stephen Abuwatseya, a Bolt driver who came to deliver a package of snails to his residence in Maitama, Abuja. The video drew widespread criticism, leading to public scrutiny and legal proceedings.
Reflecting on the matter, Ikwechegh admitted that the incident was a “low moment” but emphasized that it did not define his character. “What happened was quite unfortunate, but I take it as an avenue to build a relationship with the young man. Today, we are friends,” he said, adding, “The video that everybody saw was just a part of the story. People don’t know what happened before that reaction. Like they say, actions pre-empt reactions.”
The lawmaker revealed that the court dismissed the case against him due to lack of merit. “I was taken to court, but the court found no merit and struck it out. It’s in the past now,” he said.
Ikwechegh stated that he and Abuwatseya had moved on from the incident. He revealed that they resolved the matter amicably through alternative dispute resolution, leading to a “mutual and respectful agreement.” He also highlighted his growing relationship with Abuwatseya’s religious leaders. “The young man is my friend now. I’m very close to his bishop and his pastor. We’ve made new friends through this incident,” he explained.
The incident occurred on October 28, 2024, when Abuwatseya, the e-hailing driver, requested Ikwechegh to come outside to collect the package. The request angered the lawmaker, leading to a confrontation that was captured on video and widely shared online. The footage showed Ikwechegh slapping the driver and using offensive language.
In the aftermath, Ikwechegh publicly apologized via Instagram, admitting that his actions fell short of what was expected of a public official. “I deeply regret my behavior, which does not reflect the standards expected of me as a lawmaker, regardless of the provocation,” he wrote. He also apologized to the Bolt driver, the Nigerian Police Force, and the National Assembly.
Following the incident, Ikwechegh faced a three-count charge of abuse of office, assault, and threat to life. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment at a Kuje Magistrates’ Court, where he was granted bail of ₦500,000.
However, the case took an unexpected turn when the Bolt driver publicly apologized to Ikwechegh. Abuwatseya expressed regret for provoking the lawmaker and asked Nigerians for forgiveness.
Despite the controversy, Ikwechegh has embraced the attention the incident brought him. “Today, the whole of Nigeria knows me as the man that makes things disappear,” he joked. “We’ve moved on. It’s in the past now.”
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Ikwechegh reiterated that the incident had strengthened his resolve to remain accountable while fostering better relationships with those around him. “Whatever anyone saw is not indicative of who I am. I’ve been in the public space for a long time, and there has never been any scandal about me,” he said.
While the incident initially sparked outrage, the resolution between Ikwechegh and Abuwatseya has softened tensions. Many Nigerians have commended the alternative dispute resolution approach, with some viewing the lawmaker’s public apology as a step in the right direction for public accountability.
As Ikwechegh continues his legislative duties, he hopes to focus on rebuilding his reputation and fostering goodwill with the public. “This experience has been a learning curve for me. I am committed to serving my people and ensuring such incidents do not repeat themselves,” he concluded.