By Newscount
The Nigerian House of Representatives has clearly distanced itself from alleged unparliamentary conduct of one of its members, Honorable Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, Member representing Aba North and Aba South Federal Constituency of Abia State.
The Nigeria Police on Monday said in a statement that Alex Ikwechegh is under its custody for interrogation over alleged assault of
(Bolt) cab driver, Mr Stephen Abuwatseya.
Meanwhile, the official statement by the House of Representatives Spokesman, Honorable Akin Rotimi on Monday said the green chamber is, “monitoring media reports concerning an alleged incident involving Representative Alex Ikwechegh (APGA, Abia State). These reports, which have garnered widespread media coverage and public attention, detail accusations of a physical confrontation with an e-hailing driver, Citizen Stephen Abuwatseya, and the use of threatening language.”
“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.”
“We remain dedicated to upholding the values of accountability, transparency, and ethical behavior that define the 10th Assembly, House of Representatives. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has said Ikwechegh is currently being interrogated at its Maitama Divisional Headquarters.
According to a trending viral video, the Federal House of Representative Member slapped the cab driver when he requested the delivery fee, querying if the driver knew who he was talking to.
The lawmaker also threatened to make the driver “disappear” in the whole of Nigeria without facing any consequences.
In the statement on Monday by the command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, the police said investigation had commenced into the matter.
She further added that already, preliminary investigation revealed that Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Ikwechegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery and request for his payment.
Adeh said, “Alexander Ikwechegh, who represents the Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State. The incident occurred on October 27, 2024, at a residence on Zamfara Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.
The FCT Police Command has received a report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters regarding an incident involving a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, and Hon. Alexander Ikwechegh, who represents the Aba North/South Federal Constituency in Abia State. The incident occurred on October 27, 2024, at a residence on Zamfara Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.
“During this altercation, Mr. Abuwatseya was reportedly physically assaulted.
The FCT Police Command expresses grave concern over Hon. Ikwechegh’s
dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police following the incident.
Adeh slammed Ikwechegh for bringing the name of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun into disrepute by daring the driver to make calls through to him after slapping him.
She said, “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.”
Adeh added that CP Tunji Disu has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.
Several telephone calls put across to Hon. Ikwechegh on monday by our correspondent were not picked.
Hon. Ikwechegh may be referred to House Committee on Ethics and Privilege for further investigation during plenary session on Tuesday 29, October, 2024.
