The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, has expressed concerns that his colleague, Alex Ikwechegh, could face a “double tragedy” following an alleged assault on an e-hailing driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, in Abuja in late October.
“Presently, he is being prosecuted. He is at the Magistrate Court. The House has also sent him to the disciplinary committee on the same issue,” Chinda said on the Sunday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television.
“Perhaps, he might suffer double jeopardy if he is undergoing prosecution and disciplined in the House.” Chinda said he has spoken with his colleague and he has shown remorse and apologised to Nigerians.
“But in essence, I don’t think anybody will agree that that is a standard for parliamentarians. They call us honourable members so we should be honourable within and outside the parliament. And people should look up to us. Public office holders are like pastors and Imams and people should look up to you in character and conduct,” he said.
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In late October, Nigerians expressed outrage after a video surfaced showing Ikwechegh assaulting an e-hailing driver in Abuja. The incident began when Ikwechegh ordered snails from a vendor, who then hired the e-hailing driver to handle the delivery. Upon the driver’s arrival at the lawmaker’s residence, a heated dispute broke out over payment.
Ikwechegh, a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
A furious Ikwechegh was heard speaking with the vendor on the phone in the presence of the driver. “How can this stupid idiot come to me and tell me that I am supposed to come and meet him in his car and pick up a snail I am buying from you? I can make this man disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen.” the lawmaker blurted to the speaker on the other side.
After a phone call with the snail vendor, Ikwechegh turned to Abuwatseya and delivered two forceful slaps to the driver, who remained composed despite the assault.
The incident sparked public outrage, with many Nigerians demanding justice. The police have since arrested and charged the lawmaker, who issued a public apology to the driver and the Nigerian public.
Last Wednesday, the Kuje Magistrates’ Court granted Ikwechegh bail for ₦500,000 following his arraignment on three charges: abuse of office, assault, and threat to life, to which he pleaded not guilty.
Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id has adjourned the case until November 8 for a hearing.
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