“We will not suspend Ikwechegh despite public demand,” says House of Reps

• The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives said Alex Ikwechegh would not be suspended as Nigerians want
• The House, however, launched an investigation into the incident 
• Nigerians believe nothing will be done, just as Ikwechegh bragged in the video

The House of Representatives has said it will not suspend the member representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, who assaulted the Bolt driver. 

Ikwechegh was criticised on social media after he was seen in a viral video slapping a Bolt driver multiple times at his residence in Maintama, Abuja. He was later taken into custody by the FCT Police Command for questioning and tendered a public apology to Nigerians, the Inspector General of Police, the House of Representatives and the National Assembly for his misconduct.     

On Tuesday, October 29, the House of Representatives initiated a probe into the incident and referred Ikwechegh to its Committee on Ethics and Privilege for investigation after the Majority Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, raised a motion for a point of privilege.  

Ihonvbere informed the House of the incident, which went viral on social media and stated that Ikwechegh’s action was an assault on the integrity of all members of the House and the conscience of average Nigerians. 

However, Ikwechegh gave a speech and begged for the forgiveness of the members of the House and Nigerians for his misconduct, adding that he regretted his actions and had reached a resolution with the victim, Abuwatseya. 

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, commended Ikwechegh for being remorseful and described his speech as touching.    

According to The Sun, the deputy speaker said the house will not suspend Ikwechegh as Nigerians expect but will treat the matter according to the House’s rules. 

He said: “The personal explanation of Ikwechegh was very touching. The public is expecting us to act in a particular way. But the truth be told that we can only act according to our rules. 

“We cannot act according to what everybody wants us to do. Our rules dictate that if, at any time, we feel the integrity and dignity of the parliament have been threatened, we investigate through our internal structure, in the eyes of the principle of natural justice, which is fair hearing. That is what we put in our rules. It is not good for us to judge ahead of time and take a rash decision.

“Therefore, in line with the prayers of the leader of the House, this matter should be referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privilege for him to be heard. His appeal was very emotional and very touching; it shows remorse. 

I was touched hearing it from here. And that is not enough. I know you were touched as well. I know Nigerians watching him have seen a man that is remorseful.

“But our rules must be complied with. And that our rule is for him to go and sit with the committee on Ethics and Privilege. They will hear him and then report back to the House for us to take a decision instead of going into suspension like everybody expects from us.”

Nigerians react to the deputy speaker’s statement

Many Nigerians believe that nothing will be done to address the case, just as Ikwechegh bragged in the viral video. Some people are of the opinion that there is nothing else to investigate, as the video and Ikwechegh’s apology made the incident clear enough. Others expressed their disappointment at the situation, saying the lawmakers do not have the interest of Nigerians at heart. 

Here are some of the reactions that trailed the deputy speaker’s statement. 

@Timmynaijaa posted: “This is the problem with the lawmakers in most part of Africa, what else do you want to look into? You have got the evidence needed.”

@Ikepicano posted: “They are not working for Nigerians, so how can they do what Nigerians want ....bunch of ediots …”

@davidoghe posted: “There is no suspension but investigation, investigation on what exactly? Isn't that video and the things he said not enough evidence to suspend him ? You see one thing about our ruling class, they know how to defend and support themselves against the people, nothing can divide them, not religion or tribe, but you see we the people, they use these two things to divide us and then we roll with it and hate ourselves while they dine together. Una still dey expect justice?”

@TheRealAquah posted: “Nigerians voted for you, but you won't do what we want. Typical leadership in Nigeria.”

@AGINAS posted: “Birds of the same feathers. He was lucky to have encountered a gentleman like that. I wish I was the one I swear either of us would have gone extent. NJ”

@sebastineogb posted: “These are a bunch of clowns that are privileged to where they are today by the Grace of God, but they're misusing opportunity by acting as if they are above the law.”

@ay0midee posted: “If they really cared, even for optics, they’d suspend pending conclusion of investigation. He’ll probably be reinstated even in light of evidence and all, but at least to front a bit of pseudo-concern, act like you’re interested in justice. Smh.”

@JesusNotGod_ posted: “Imagine the bolt driver was the one who assaulted the lawmaker, he would have disappeared and nothing would happen.”

@MrOlibaba posted: “And they're joking over the matter. Like let's just do this committee something for the camera, they know the matter is dead on arrival.”

Former lawmaker Lawan completes prison sentence for bribery, thanks God for new beginning

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Farouk Lawan, a former House of Representatives member, was released from Kuje Custodial Centre after completing his jail sentence.

Samson Duza, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in the Federal Capital Territory, confirmed this development on Tuesday, October 22.