Stephen Abuwatseya, the Bolt driver involved in an altercation with Alex Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives for Aba North/South in Abia State, has issued a public apology following the incident.
The confrontation occurred during a package delivery, and Abuwatseya has since expressed regret for his role in the dispute and urged Nigerians to move past the incident.
In a video statement released on Thursday, Abuwatseya asked for forgiveness from both Ikwechegh and the public, acknowledging that his actions may have provoked the lawmaker.
“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 apologize to him for whatever I must have said or done to provoke him to that level of anger,” he said.
The driver also used the opportunity to call for national unity, stressing that it was time for Nigerians to come together rather than be divided by religion, tribe, or region. “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,” he added.
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Abuwatseya also referenced the importance of forgiveness, quoting the Lord’s Prayer, which encourages people to forgive others as they seek forgiveness. “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,” he concluded.
He further expressed gratitude to his family and supporters, who have stood by him throughout the ordeal. “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.”
The incident, which occurred on October 28, involved a confrontation at Ikwechegh’s residence in Maitama, Abuja. Abuwatseya had arrived to deliver a package of snails to the lawmaker but was allegedly met with aggression when he asked Ikwechegh to come outside to collect it. A viral video captured the altercation, showing the visibly angry lawmaker slapping and insulting the driver.
In the wake of the incident, Ikwechegh issued his own public apology, acknowledging that his actions were unprofessional and unacceptable. He expressed regret for his behavior and extended his apologies to Abuwatseya, the Nigerian Police Force, and the National Assembly. “My actions did not meet the standards expected of a public official, regardless of the provocation involved,” Ikwechegh admitted in an Instagram post.
The lawmaker also revealed that he and Abuwatseya had engaged in an alternative dispute resolution process, which led to a “mutual and respectful agreement” between them.
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