Stephen Abuwatseya, a Bolt driver who was allegedly assaulted by Alex Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives, has issued an apology to the lawmaker.
The incident took place on October 27, 2024, in Maitama, Abuja, when Ikwechegh, a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), reportedly slapped and insulted Abuwatseya after the driver asked him to come closer to the car to receive his package.
The lawmaker from Abia was later summoned by the disciplinary committee of the House of Representatives. Additionally, he was arraigned at a Magistrate Court in Kuje, Abuja, where he pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge and was granted bail set at N500,000. The case was adjourned to November 8, 2024.
In a now-viral video, Abuwatseya expressed regret for provoking the lawmaker and urged Nigerians to avoid turning the incident into a tribal conflict. He highlighted the need for unity and forgiveness.
“My name is Stephen, the Bolt driver who had a misunderstanding with the Right Honourable Ikwechegh a few days ago. I want to apologize to him for anything I may have said or done that provoked him to that level of anger,” he said.
“This is a message to all Nigerians that now is not the time to divide ourselves along lines of relationship, religion, tribe, or region. We should come together, unite, and work to move the nation forward. Please, Nigerians, let us forgive and forget. There is no greater justice than forgiveness. Thank you very much.”
Ikwechegh had previously expressed remorse, apologising for the incident and saying, “I regret my actions.”
