“Today, We Are Friends” – APGA Lawmaker on Bolt Driver He Assaulted

Abia lawmaker Alex Ikwechegh, who was caught on video assaulting a Bolt driver last year, now claims that he and the victim have become friends. Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), faced heavy criticism after a viral video showed him repeatedly slapping and insulting the driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, at his Abuja residence.

The incident sparked outrage, especially as Ikwechegh was heard calling the driver a “rat” and threatening to make him disappear. The confrontation reportedly began when Abuwatseya, who was delivering a package of snails, asked the lawmaker to step out of his house to collect it. Ikwechegh later apologized for his actions and stated that they had resolved the issue through alternative dispute resolution methods.

Speaking on Channels TV on January 28, 2024, Ikwechegh described the assault as “a low moment” but insisted that it ultimately led to a positive outcome. “What happened was quite unfortunate, but I take it as an avenue to build a relationship with the young man. Today, we are friends,” he said. He also claimed that the case had been taken to court but was dismissed due to lack of merit.

The lawmaker, however, appeared to justify his actions, suggesting that many Nigerians did not understand the full context of the incident. “I felt the sanctity of my home was being desecrated. People only saw part of the video, not what led to my reaction. Actions preempt reactions,” he stated.

Despite the controversy, Ikwechegh insisted that he and Abuwatseya have moved past the incident. “The young man is my friend now. I’m very close to his bishop and his pastor. And today, the whole of Nigeria knows me. I guess we’ve moved on,” he concluded.