Olayiwola Matthew
A Bolt Driver, Stephen Abuwatseya has apologised to House of Representatives member representing ABA North/South of Abia State in the National Assembly, Hon. Alex Ikwechegh for the ensued altercation during a delivery of a package to him.
In a video released to the press, Mr Abuwatseya felt remorseful as he appeals to all that got offended by the actions to forgive him, so that all feelings would simmer over the ugly incidence.
According to him, he made it clear that it was a fact that he had a misunderstanding with Rt. Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh. Abuwatseya noted that he is using the opportunity to apologize to him over the provocative utterances to him.
“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 said.
Abuwatseya in furtherance to his remorseful, called for unity and forgiveness among Nigerians of all strata and ethnic background, emphasizes need for all to be their brother’s keeper at all time.
In his heartfelt message, the driver also took time to thank his family and well-wishers for their support at such challenging period of his life as a youthful hustle who do not wish anyone bad or evil.
This apology, according to him, comes as Hon. Ikwechegh had issued a public statement, acknowledging his actions and expressing regret over his behavior during the altercation. In a message posted on his Instagram account, the lawmaker apologized to the Uber driver, the Nigerian Police Force, and the National Assembly, asserting that his actions fell short of the standards expected from a public officeholder regardless of how intense the provocation must have been.
Ikwechegh explained that he had engaged in alternative dispute resolution with Abuwatseya, which led to a “mutual and respectful agreement” between the two parties.
Hon. Ikwechegh was seen in a video clip that went viral on social media platforms, repeatedly slapping Stephen Abuwatseya.
Irked by what he described as the driver’s rude behaviour towards him, the federal lawmaker boasted that he could make him disappear without trace and nothing would happen.
However, following a widespread condemnation that trailed his action and utterances, the lawmaker tendered a public apology for his conduct.
He was docked before an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court and later granted bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in the like sum.