An e-hailing driver in Nigeria, Stephen Abuwatseya has apologised to Alex Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives representing ABA North/South of Abia State in the National Assembly, who assaulted the driver after an altercation occurred during a package delivery.
In a video statement released to news agencies on Thursday, Abuwatseya expressed regret for what he termed as ‘provoking’ Ikwechegh, and asked Nigerians for forgiveness. He also urged everyone to move on from the incident.
The driver stated: “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 apologize 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 also thanked his family and well-wishers for their support over the issue, “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.”
The driver’s public apology has forced his team of lawyers to “announce the withdrawal of our legal representation in the case involving the alleged assault of Mr Stephen Abuwatseye”.
This was announced by the firm in a press statement issued on Friday morning.
The statement said the Bolt driver walked into their office, “visibly distressed and sought redress over an alleged assault”.
The statement signed by Zainab M. Otega for the law firm, reads: “However, in view of recent developments and after careful consideration, we have made the decision to withdraw our legal representation in other to protect our professional integrity and maintain the highest ethical standard in the legal profession.
“We wish Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye the very best, while we assure the general public of our continuous commitment towards protecting the rights of the oppressed and indigent members of the society.”
On October 28, KOIKI Media reported that Ikwechegh assaulted the Bolt driver who went to deliver a package to him.
In a viral video, Abuwatseya captured the altercation at Ikwechegh’s residence in Maitama, Abuja, the country’s capital.
The lawmaker repeatedly slapped and insulted the driver after the driver asked him to come outside to collect a package of snails meant for delivery.
Following the incident that attracted widespread condemnation, Ikwechegh issued a public apology, acknowledging his actions and expressing regret over his behaviour during the altercation.
He apologised to the Bolt driver, the Nigerian Police Force, and the National Assembly, admitting that his actions did not meet the standards expected of a public official, regardless of the provocation involved.
Ikwechegh revealed that he and Abuwatseya had engaged in alternative dispute resolution, resulting in a “mutual and respectful agreement” between them.
The driver then filed charges against the lawmaker at the Kuje Magistrate Court.
In his ruling, Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id held that he was minded to accede to the defendant’s application for bail.
Consequently, he granted the lawmaker bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties in the like sum.