Nigerian Legislator Apologizes After Viral Video Shows Altercation with Taxi Driver

Nigerian Member of Parliament Alex Ikwechegh has issued an apology following the widespread circulation of a video depicting him physically assaulting and verbally abusing a taxi driver. The driver had arrived at Mr. Ikwechegh’s residence to deliver food. The politician, who was questioned by police regarding the incident on Sunday evening, stated, “I sincerely apologise for my words and actions during this incident… As a public servant, I understand the weight of my role and how my words can impact others.” Stephen Abuwatseya, a Bolt driver, undertook a delivery task involving snails to Mr. Ikwechegh’s residence in Abuja, the capital. He commenced recording their exchange after a dispute arose concerning payment. The legislator had accused the driver of showing him disrespect before proceeding to slap him, as captured in the video. The driver’s request for the 44-year-old politician, who hails from Abia state in south-eastern Nigeria, to step outside to receive the delivery reportedly provoked him. In the video recording, Mr. Ikwechegh questioned, “So, you think I will give you my money with the way you have spoken to me?” Mr. Abuwatseya replied, “I did a job for you, and you have to pay me, sir.” Subsequently, the MP contacted the snail vendor to express his dissatisfaction with the driver’s conduct, stating, “How can this stupid idiot come to my house and tell me that I’m supposed to come and meet him in his car and pick up snail that I’m buying from you?“Can you imagine this rat? I can make this man to disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing would happen.”” He then redirected his attention to the driver, resuming the argument by inquiring if the driver recognized his identity, and repeatedly uttered, “How dare you?” He proceeded, “I will beat you up. I will show you that I’m a big brother to you. I will slap the hell out of you, lie you down, and lock you in my generator house. How dare you?” After Mr. Abuwatseya subsequently indicated that he was recording, the MP dared him to contact the police chief. The recording ceased at a point where the MP seemingly attempted to seize the phone. In a subsequent video segment, the driver is observed without a shirt and claims that the politician ripped his shirt and struck him a total of three times. On Monday, the police released a statement confirming their investigation into the incident and advised individuals against invoking the name of the inspector general of police “to intimidate others.” In a statement issued on Tuesday, Mr. Ikwechegh conveyed his “heartfelt apologies” to the police chief, “recognising the unintended disparagement my remarks may have caused to his person, his office, and the entire institution.” He further apologized to the House of Representatives, an institution that, according to local media reports, has since forwarded the issue to its ethics committee. The legislator remarked, “This incident has been a humbling reminder of the necessity for restraint and self-control, especially in challenging circumstances.” He added, “I am committed to using this experience as an opportunity for growth, both as a citizen and as a more empathetic representative of the people.” Mr. Ikwechegh stated that he and Mr. Abuwatseya had “explored alternative dispute resolution methods” to address the matter and had achieved a “respectful resolution.”