However, Ikwechegh’s apology didn’t quite quell the controversy, with many calling for accountability and questioning how someone in a position of power could exhibit such behavior.
Nigerian netizens on X (previously Twitter) are outraged by e-hailing taxi Bolt driver Stephen Abuwatseya’s public apology to the House of Representatives member for Aba North and South in Abia State, who was caught on camera assaulting him.
Lawmaker Alex Ikwechegh recently made headlines for all the wrong reasons after a video surfaced of him assaulting the Bolt driver in Abuja.
The altercation reportedly started over a package delivery, and things escalated quickly. Ikwechegh was caught on camera assaulting and threatening the driver, saying he could make him “disappear from the whole of Nigeria and nothing would happen” – a chilling statement that sparked widespread outrage.
Following the backlash, Ikwechegh apologized for his actions and claimed to have reached a “respectful resolution” with the driver. However, the incident led to an ethics investigation by the House of Representatives.
However, Ikwechegh’s apology didn’t quite quell the controversy, with many calling for accountability and questioning how someone in a position of power could exhibit such behavior.
In a video that went viral on Thursday, Abuwatseya expressed “regret” for provoking Ikwechegh and asked Nigerians for forgiveness.
He also urged everyone to move on 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 apologise 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, saying, “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.”
Reacting, many netizens expressed belief that the driver had been bribed by the lawmaker to change the narrative.
An X user, Irunnia said: “Poverty is a curse. The reason why Nigerian leaders need their people poor so they can easily control them. E sure me die say money wey dey give am to change mouth no reach 500k.”
“Dem don give the werey 50k baba don change mouth. God punish poverty,” another user, Incarnate added.
Another user, Pappyjah Fresh expressed his surprise, saying: “Offender sef no do video apologize, na offendee kon dey apologize. This is so serious!!!”
Ruth wrote: “How can you be assaulted and you still apologize on top?”
Victoria wrote: “Abi he is mad ni? Why is he apologizing??”
Exercise wrote: “Everyone’s got a price, it’s just a matter of how much. Justice bought and paid for. Isn’t it a shit show country that we live in?”
Comrade Olajide ikujenyo wrote: “You can’t convince me that this guy wasn’t induced to do this apology. Whether forcefully through threat or payment, he was directly or indirectly induced to do this.”
Tolulope Michael wrote: “No matter how many times I’ve come across this video, I can’t click to watch it. It would only add to my anger. It’s disgusting Meanwhile, aside from being bribed, he might have been threatened also.”
Kenkheye wrote: “Money, Power and Influence, in Nigeria you cannot fight for your right. It’s just impossible. So sad to see.”
UNCLE ENZO wrote: “Money has exchanged hands.”
comentSTreet wrote: “Ha them don run my guy better funds he change voice, but I still like am sha.”
