- Stephen Abuwatseya, a Bolt drive, apologised for provoking Reps member Alex Ikwechegh, calls for national unity and forgiveness after viral altercation
- Abuwatseya offered the apology after the viral video showed a tense confrontation with lawmaker Ikwechegh
- The Bolt driver, who was allegedly assaulted by the lawmaker Ikwechegh, urged Nigerians to come together, forgive, and focus on national healing
Bolt driver Stephen Abuwatseya, who was allegedly assaulted by Alex Ikwechegh, the representative for Aba North/South, has taken responsibility and apologised for his actions during the package delivery.
Abuwatseya issued a video statement on Thursday, November 7 which was seen by The Nation, in which he regretted provoking Ikwechegh and asked Nigerians to forgive him.
Abuwatseya apologises to Ikwechegh
He said, “Good day, Nigerians. My name is Stephen Abuwatseya. I had a misunderstanding with Rt. Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh a few days ago.
“I actually want to apologise to him for whatever I must have said or done to provoke him to that level of anger.
“I want to tell Nigerians that it’s not time for us to start dividing ourselves based on religion, tribes, or regions. We should actually come together, see how we can unite this nation, and move it forward.
“Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive and forget, as it’s even contained in our Lord’s Prayer, that ‘Lord, please forgive us, as we forgive those who trespass against us.’ For there is no justice without forgiveness. Thank you very much.”
Abuwatseya thanks supporters after viral altercation with Ikwechegh
Abuwatseya also expressed gratitude to his family and well-wishers for their support during this challenging time.
“I want to use this medium to thank my family members, my parents, my brothers, my uncles and everybody that stood by me.
“I want to thank all of you. I love you all. Thank you. God bless Nigeria,” Abuwatseya stated.
Recall that a viral video from October 28 captured a moment where Ikwechegh alleged Bolt driver Abuwatseya in Abuja. The incident took place after the lawmaker ordered snails through a vendor who employed Abuwatseya for delivery.
Abuwatseya shared that the confrontation escalated when he requested that Ikwechegh come outside to collect his delivery and insisted on payment. In the video, the lawmaker rebuffed the request, deeming it disrespectful given his elevated status.
Ikwechegh apologises for altercation after recorded threatening Bolt driver
Ikwechegh was heard saying, “How can this stupid idiot come to me and tell me that I am supposed to come and meet him in his car and pick up a snail I am buying from you? I can make this man disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen.”
The lawmaker also said, “I am not going to call my policemen to beat you up. I will do that myself. I will show you that I am a big brother. I will 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.”
When the lawmaker was made aware that he had been recorded, he said, “My name is Honourable Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh, I am a member of the House of Reps, tell them. Call the Inspector General of Police, let him come.”
Ikwechegh offered a public apology a few days after the incident, acknowledging his conduct and expressing regret for his actions during the confrontation.
Court date set for Alex Ikwechegh over alleged assault on Bolt driver
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Stephen Abuwatseya filed charges against Rep Alex Ikwechegh for alleged assault.
Lawyer Deji Adeyanju confirmed court appearance for the accused while the Nigerian Police reaffirmed commitment to impartial investigation in the case.