E-hailing driver Stephen Abuwatseya has apologized to House of Representatives member Alex Ikwechegh, who assaulted him following a dispute during a package delivery in Aba North/South, Abia State.
In a video statement released to the press on Thursday, Abuwatseya expressed remorse for provoking Ikwechegh and appealed to Nigerians for forgiveness.
He also urged everyone to move forward from the incident.
He 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.”
The driver 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.”
On October 28, a viral video recorded by the Driver captured when Ikwechegh assaulted Abuwatseya at Ikwechegh’s residence in Maitama, Abuja.
The footage shows the visibly angry lawmaker repeatedly slapping and insulting the driver after the driver asked him to come outside to collect a package of snails meant for delivery.
Following the incident, Ikwechegh issued a public apology, acknowledging his actions and expressing regret over his behaviour during the altercation.
In a message posted on Instagram, the lawmaker 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 shared that he and Abuwatseya had engaged in alternative dispute resolution, resulting in a “mutual and respectful agreement” between them.
