The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Police Command has taken into custody a House of Representatives’ member, Alexander Ikwechegh.
Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North and South Constituency in Abia State, was invited for questioning over allegation of assault on a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya.
The incident occurred on Sunday (October 27), at a residence on Zamfara Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.
The police said preliminary investigations indicate that Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Ikwechegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery.
The FCT Commissioner of Police (CP), Olatunji Disu has ordered investigation into the matter.
A statement on Monday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh said: “During this altercation, Abuwatseya was reportedly physically assaulted.
“The FCT Police Command has received a report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters regarding an incident involving a Bolt driver, Abuwatseya, and Ikwegh, who represents the Aba North and South Constituency in Abia State. The FCT Police Command expresses grave concern over Ikwechegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector-General of Police following the incident. After allegedly slapping the victim, he reportedly remarked with contempt, “You can go ahead and call the Inspector-General of Police,” demonstrating a troubling disregard for the authority of law enforcement.
“Currently, the suspect is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning. Commissioner of Police, FCT, Olatunji Disu, has mandated a thorough investigation into the matter. The command is committed to conducting an impartial investigation and ensuring justice in all cases. Upon completion of the investigation, appropriate legal action will be taken”.
The Abia lawmaker was caught on a viral video assaulting the driver sent to deliver is order to him his Abuja residence.
The first-time lawmaker, elected on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) was also heard on the video or tells a woman on phone that he can make the driver disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen.
Also in the video, he told the driver that he was a Senator, even as the threatened to deal with the driver, after slapping him three times, saying he will not pay him for his service for disrespecting him.
But, Ikwechegh said last night he was deeply sorry for his actions.
The lawmaker said: “I am deeply sorry for my actions and acknowledge that they were unacceptable and unbecoming of a public official. As a public servant, I recognize the trust placed in me by my constituents and the Nigerian people. My behavior fell short of the standards expected of me, and for that, I am truly sorry. I understand that my actions have caused harm and embarrassment to the driver, my constituents, and the nation at large.”
In the video, he was heard saying “Do you know where you are? Do you know who I am? So, you think I will give you my money with the way you have spoken to me?
The House of Representatives has expressed concern over allegations of assaults and threat against one of its members, Ikwechegh, but appeal to Nigerians to exercise restraint and allow the police conclude their investigations.
House Spokesman, Rotimi Akintunde, said that the House is monitoring development on the matter which has generated lots of media attention.
He said: “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.