Stephen Abuwatseya, the e-hailing driver who was assaulted by a member of the House of Representatives representing Aba North/South of Abia State in the National Assembly, Alex Ikwechegh has apologised to the lawmaker.
The driver was assaulted during an altercation when he went to deliver a package.
In a video statement released on Thursday, Abuwatseya expressed regret for provoking Ikwechegh and asked Nigerians for forgiveness.
The driver also urged Nigerians to move on from the incident.
His words: “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.
“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.
“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.”
The driver also thanked his family and well-wishers for their support over the issue, “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.”
Last week, EveryDayLagos reported that Ikwechegh assaulted the Bolt driver who went to deliver a package containing “snails” to him.
In a viral video, Abuwatseya captured the altercation at Ikwechegh’s residence in Maitama, Abuja.
The footage shows the visibly angry lawmaker repeatedly slapping and insulting the driver after the driver asked him to pick up his shipment.
Following the incident, Ikwechegh issued a public apology, acknowledging his actions and expressing regret over his behaviour during the altercation.
In a message posted on Instagram, the lawmaker apologised to the Bolt driver, the Nigerian Police Force, and the National Assembly, admitting that his actions did not meet the standards expected of a public official, regardless of the provocation involved.
Ikwechegh shared that he and Abuwatseya had engaged in alternative dispute resolution, resulting in a “mutual and respectful agreement” between them.
