…. Impersonation As Senator Too
The House of Representatives has stepped up investigation of his member, Rep. Alex Ikwechegh (APGA, Abia), who allegedly assaulted and threatened to lock up a bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, in his generator house, for asking him to come to the car to collect his ordered item (snails) from a vendor.
In a statement, the House said it “takes these allegations very seriously”, adding that it “is monitoring media reports concerning an alleged incident involving Rep. Alex Ikwechegh (APGA, Abia).”
Further, the House requested for more reactions on the incident in a viral video and asked the public to direct their contributions via email at [email protected], [email protected], “even as we continue to monitor the situation.”
In the video, the lawmaker can be seen slapping the driver multiple times. Later the driver asked him “did you just slap me three times?”, which he replied, “twice and you will soon receive the third slap”.
Also, in the video, Ikwechegh was heard telling the vendor that he can make the driver disappear and nothing will happen.
“I can make you disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen. Do you know who I am?”.
“I am a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I can lock you up in my Generator House and nothing will happen,” Ikwechegh said in the viral video.
He also said he won’t ask the police officers protecting him to beat up the driver but will do it himself.
According to a statement on Monday by the House of representatives signed by Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., Spokesman, House of Representatives, “These reports, which have garnered widespread media coverage and public attention, detail accusations of a physical confrontation with an e-hailing driver, Citizen Stephen Abuwatseya, and the use of threatening language.
“The 10th Assembly, House of Representatives, takes these allegations very seriously. As elected officials, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability in our official engagements and privately.
“Any behaviour that falls short of these standards is a matter of concern, and we are committed to addressing such issues with the utmost seriousness.
“We are aware that the matter is now before the Nigeria Police, and we urge the public to allow the due process of investigation to unfold.
“We welcome further engagement from the public on the subject, which can be shared via email at [email protected], [email protected], even as we continue to monitor the situation.
“We remain dedicated to upholding the values of accountability, transparency, and ethical behavior that define the 10th Assembly, House of Representatives.
“Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
