In a surprising turn of events, Stephen Abuwatseya, the Abuja Bolt driver who was assaulted by House of Representatives member Alex Ikwechegh, has apologized to his attacker. This comes after Ikwechegh boasted about his power and influence, claiming he could make Abuwatseya “disappear” and slapped him for delivering a package to his residence.
The Incident
The altercation occurred when Abuwatseya delivered a package to Ikwechegh’s residence, and the lawmaker became enraged, feeling disrespected by the driver’s request for payment. Ikwechegh’s actions were widely condemned, with many criticizing his abuse of power.
Ikwechegh’s Apology
Following the backlash, Ikwechegh apologized for his actions, stating that his behavior was “unacceptable and unbecoming of a public official”. He also assured the public that he would cooperate with the Nigerian Police investigation and seek professional counseling to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Abuwatseya’s U-Turn
Now, Abuwatseya has made a surprising about-face, apologizing to Ikwechegh for the incident. The reasons behind Abuwatseya’s apology are unclear, but it raises questions about the dynamics of power and influence in Nigeria.
Reactions
The incident has sparked a national conversation about the abuse of power and the treatment of ordinary citizens by those in positions of authority. Many are calling for greater accountability and respect for human rights.