Taiwo Popoola
The Abia House of Representatives member caught on camera assaulting a Bolt driver, Alex Ikwechegh, has apologized for his actions.
Ikwechegh admitted that his actions in assaulting a cab driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, fell short of the standards expected of a public office holder.
An altercation between Ikwechegh and the cab driver during the delivery of a package led to threats and assaults by the lawmaker.
The Abia State lawmaker had threatened to make the cab driver disappear from Nigeria.
A video of the altercation, which was leaked by social media critic Martins Ortse, aka VeryDarkMan, gained traction and condemnation from Nigerians.
The Nigeria Police Force also disclosed that it is handling the matter.
However, Ikwechegh, in a statement issued on Tuesday, regretted the harm and embarrassment his actions caused Abuwatseya, his constituents and the public.
The lawmaker also assured his cooperation with the police, pledging his support for the ongoing investigation into the matter.
He said: “I, Honourable Alex Ikwechegh, Member of the House of Representatives, wish to address a deeply disturbing incident that occurred at my residence recently. A video has surfaced showing me engaging in unacceptable behaviour towards an Uber driver who came to deliver a waybill for me. I am deeply sorry for my actions and acknowledge that they were unacceptable and unbecoming of a public official.
“As a public servant, I recognize the trust placed in me by my constituents and the Nigerian people. My behaviour fell short of the standards expected of me, and for that, I am truly sorry. I understand that my actions have caused harm and embarrassment to the driver, my constituents and the nation at large.
“I want to assure the public that I am fully cooperating with the Nigeria Police investigation into this matter.
“As a public servant, I recognise the trust placed in me by my constituents and the Nigerian people. My behaviour fell short of the standards expected of me, and for that, I am truly sorry.”
