Police quiz federal lawmaker who assaulted cab driver

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The FCT Police Command, on Monday said that its team of investigators interrogated a federal lawmaker, Alexander Ikwegh, over the alleged brutalisation of a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, in a Maitama residence over the weekend.

 

The Command also expressed grave concern over Ikwegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police following the incident.

 

The Police Command further disclosed that after allegedly slapping the victim, the lawmaker 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.

 

Ikwegh who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State, at the National Assembly was interrogated by a team of police investigators at the Maitama Police Station.

 

A statement by FCT Police Command averred that the Commissioner of Police, FCT, Olatunji Disu, also ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.

 

Noting that the Command is committed to conducting an impartial investigation and ensuring justice in all cases, Disu stated that upon completion of the investigation, appropriate legal action will be taken.

 

According to Disu, “The FCT Police Command has received a report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters regarding an incident involving a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, and Alexander Ikwegh, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State at the National Assembly. The incident occurred on October 27, 2024, at a residence in Zamfara Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.

 

“Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr. Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Ikwegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery. During this altercation, Mr. Abuwatseya was reportedly assaulted physically.”

 

APGA condemns lawmaker’s assault on Abuja driver, plans sanctions

 

Also, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, on Monday, condemned the alleged assault meted out on an e-hailing driver by the member representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh.

 

Ikwechegh was seen in a recent video that has gone viral allegedly assaulting a Bolt driver who came to deliver an item at his residence.

 

APGA, while reacting to the viral video, said the lawmaker’s reaction is condemnable in all ramifications, adding that as a lawmaker under its platform, his behaviour fell short of the party’s constitution.

 

The party’s reaction was contained in a press statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ejimofor Opara, on Monday.

 

The statement read in part, “The attention of our great party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance has been drawn to a viral video of alleged assault meted out to a citizen by the Honourable member representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, Alex Ikwechegh.

 

“As a political party founded on respect for Human Rights, we roundly condemn the action of our said member and Federal Parliamentarian, Alex Ikwechegh, representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, on the platform of our great Party.

 

“As a party, we are founded on the basic principles of upholding the dignity of all humans, irrespective of class, creed and/or ethnicity. The recent video allegedly showing Ikwechegh assaulting a cab driver is totally unacceptable and runs counter to what our Party – APGA – represents.

 

“In line with APGA’s constitution, the leadership of the party shall set up a disciplinary committee to investigate the act, and if found wanting, appropriate sanctions shall be meted on him in line with the Constitution of APGA.”

 

According to Opara, all members of APGA and indeed all elected officials on the platform of the party are expected to exhibit the highest standards of decorum, civility and integrity in all public and private engagements.

 

“Our party shall not tolerate any verifiable conduct that is not in tandem with the ideals of our founding fathers. In APGA, we are our Brother’s and Sister’s keeper and it cannot be any other way,” the statement added.