Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives for Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency, has issued a public apology following a widely circulated video of an altercation with Stephen Abuwatseya, an e-hailing cab driver.
The incident, which took place at Ikwechegh’s residence in Abuja, led to his arrest by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.
In the video, Ikwechegh, elected under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), is seen in a confrontation with the driver and can be heard telling a woman on the phone that he could make the driver “disappear” without facing repercussions. The incident sparked public outrage, prompting calls for accountability.
Ikwechegh has since expressed remorse for his actions in a statement on Instagram, acknowledging that his behavior fell short of the standard expected from a public officeholder. “What began as a misunderstanding escalated into actions and remarks I deeply regret, which do not reflect the values and character I strive to uphold, both as a citizen and as a representative of the people,” he wrote.
He stated that he and the cab driver had reached a “respectful resolution” through alternative dispute resolution, expressing his commitment to honoring the agreement.
Ikwechegh extended apologies to the Inspector General of Police, noting the unintended impact his remarks might have had on the office and the Nigerian Police Force. He also expressed regret for any reputational damage caused to the National Assembly, acknowledging that his actions reflect on the institution and the trust placed in its members by the public.
“This incident has been a humbling reminder of the necessity for restraint and self-control, especially in challenging circumstances. I sincerely apologize for any pain or discomfort my actions may have caused, and I am committed to learning from this experience to grow into a better citizen and a more empathetic representative of the people,” Ikwechegh concluded.
