Alex Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives, has stated that he and Bolt driver Stephen Abuwatseya, whom he assaulted last year, are now friends.
Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency (APGA), was widely criticized after a video surfaced showing him slapping and insulting Abuwatseya, who had come to deliver a package to his Abuja residence. In the video, Ikwechegh referred to the driver as a “rat” and threatened to make him “disappear.”
The incident, which drew public outrage, occurred after the driver allegedly disrespected Ikwechegh by asking him to come outside to collect the package, which contained snails.
Amid the controversy, the 44-year-old politician apologized for his actions and mentioned that he and Abuwatseya had resolved the matter through “alternative dispute resolution methods.”
Reflecting on the situation three months later, Ikwechegh told Channels TV on January 28, 2024, that he and Abuwatseya have since become friends. He described the incident as a “low moment” for him.
“What happened was unfortunate, but I see it as an opportunity to build a relationship with the young man. Today, we are friends. It went to court, but the case was struck out as it lacked merit,” he said.
Ikwechegh subtly justified his actions, stating that many Nigerians didn’t understand his reaction, which he claimed was triggered by a sense of his home being disrespected.
“The video everyone saw was a low point. I felt my home’s sanctity was being violated. What people saw was only part of the story, and they don’t know what happened before that moment. Actions often preempt reactions, but what was shown is not reflective of who I am,” he explained.
Ikwechegh reaffirmed that he and Abuwatseya are now friends and that they have both moved past the incident.
“The young man is my friend now. I’m very close to his bishop, his pastor, and I’ve met a lot of new friends. Now, the whole of Nigeria knows me… I guess we’ve moved on,” he concluded.
