Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
A troubling incident involving a member of the House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh, has drawn widespread condemnation after he was seen assaulting a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, in a viral video.
Truth Live News gathered that that the incident, which took place on Sunday at Ikwechegh’s residence in Maitama, Abuja, has sparked a heated debate about the abuse of power by public officials in Nigeria.
The video, which quickly gained traction on social media, showed the visibly angry legislator, who represents Aba North & South Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), repeatedly slapping and verbally abusing the driver. The altercation began when the driver asked Ikwechegh to come outside and receive a package of snails, a request the lawmaker deemed disrespectful.
“Do you know who I am? I can make this man disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen. Can you imagine this rat?” Ikwechegh declared in the video, boasting about his ability to act without consequences. He further threatened the driver, saying, “I will show that I am a big brother to you, tie you up, lie you down and put you in my generator house. Do you know where you are?”
The driver’s attempts to ask for the delivery fee were met with multiple slaps, while Ikwechegh continued to boast, “Do you know who I am? I just slapped you, and there’s nothing you will do. My name is Honourable Alex Ikwechegh. Tell them I slapped you. Call the Inspector General of Police that I slapped you, let him come. Record me very well.”
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many civil society groups and concerned citizens calling for Ikwechegh’s immediate arrest, suspension from the House of Representatives, and possible recall. Critics have pointed to the lawmaker’s actions as yet another example of how elected officials in Nigeria misuse their power, threatening ordinary citizens and undermining the rule of law.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has also reacted to the incident, with party officials condemning Ikwechegh’s actions and stating that appropriate sanctions are being considered. “This behavior is unbecoming of a public servant and brings the reputation of our party into disrepute. We are taking steps to address this matter,” a party spokesperson said.
The Nigeria Police Force has also weighed in, cautioning against the use of the Inspector General’s name to intimidate others, as Ikwechegh did in the video. “The law is above everyone, and nobody has the right to misuse the name of the office of the Inspector General to evade justice or threaten others,” the police stated.
This incident has once again raised critical questions about the excessive use of power by elected officials in Nigeria. Public figures wielding their influence to intimidate and abuse citizens has been a recurring issue, and this latest episode with Ikwechegh has reignited calls for stricter measures to hold such individuals accountable.
With groups urging the House of Representatives to investigate and take necessary action, this case could set a precedent on how similar issues are handled in the future. The public’s patience with such behavior is wearing thin, and there is a growing demand for accountability to protect the rights of ordinary Nigerians.
As outrage continues to spread, there are fears that the lack of prompt and decisive action might embolden others to act similarly, eroding trust in those elected to serve.