The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to investigate the conduct of the lawmaker representing Aba South/Aba North Federal Constituency, Alex Ikwechegh, who was on Monday arrested and questioned for assaulting an Uber driver, Mr Stephen Abuwatseya.
The driver was assaulted when he delivered a package to the lawmaker at his Abuja residence.
Many Nigerians condemned the development as the video of the incident went viral on social media.
The lawmaker was later arrested and questioned by the police for the action for which he later apologised on Tuesday.
Ikwechegh cut a humble figure when he appeared before his colleagues at Tuesday’s plenary, after an earlier public apology he tendered.
The resolution of the House to conduct an independent investigation followed the adoption of a prayer by the Majority Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, who came under the House privilege.
Ihonvebere drew attention to the shameful conduct, noting that the behaviour came at a time when the legislative body was doing everything possible to protect its image.
According to him, “It is the way you do and manage your house that outsiders will see, and give you respect. In this House, we come from different professional backgrounds and cultures. Many of us have invested heavily in improving our reputation before we came here. It is that reputation that we brought to the House of Representatives.
“I want to say that what has been in the news in the past two days is that one of our members was involved with a citizen. It was an act that dented the image of this House.”
Contributing to the motion, the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Babajimi Benson, reminded his colleagues of their standing in society, stressing that at no time should they flirt with the temptation of lording it over Nigerians.
He said, “Mr Speaker, our elders have a saying that the day we stop learning is the day we die. They also say that we learn from mistakes and not from successes. However, the parliament is one of the most hated institutions in Nigeria today.
“We are bashed in the morning, afternoon and night as legislators though most of us have very noble intentions for the people of Nigeria. We should always be guided and also know that we are not an authority over Nigerians; Nigerians are an authority over us.
“They should be treated with dignity, respect and kindness at all times. We must continue to change the heavily-battered image of the garment we all wear.”
Ikwechegh, speaking under personal explanation, explained what transpired between him and the driver and apologised to the House for his unprincipled conduct and the use of derogatory words.
He promised to turn over a new leaf, saying, “It happened in the heat of the moment. As a public officer, my behaviour fell short of the standard expected of me. I am very sorry.”
He said he regretted the harm and embarrassment his actions had caused Abuwatseya, his constituents, and the public.
He also confirmed his cooperation with the Nigerian Police, pledging to support their investigation and uphold accountability.
Ikwechegh noted that he was taking immediate steps to address the underlying issues that led to this incident.
“I am seeking professional counselling to ensure that such behaviour never happens again. Additionally, I will be engaging in community service initiatives focused on promoting respect, empathy, and understanding.”
He, however, called on all Nigerians to join him in fostering a culture of respect, tolerance, and understanding.
“We must work together to build a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Thank you for your understanding and I hope that you will join me on this journey towards healing and growth,” Ikwechegh added.
Ruling on the matter, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over plenary on Tuesday, said it was the duty of the House to be guided by the provisions of its rules whenever the integrity of the body is threatened.
Meanwhile, popular activist, Deji Adeyanju has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, demanding that police investigate the incident involving Ikwechegh and Abuwatseya.
The petition said the investigation was expedient over Ikwechegh’s alleged “grievous assault, abuse of power, attempted murder and threat to life.”
In the petition signed by Founding Partner, Deji Adeyanju and Partners, Marvin Omorogbe, the activist, standing for Abuwatseya.
He said Ikwechegh’s actions were “totally distasteful and a threat to its client’s safety.”
“At a time when several Nigerians are increasingly being subjected to enforced disappearance by state and non-state actors, we particularly find Hon Ikwechegh’s threat to cause our client’s disappearance as a national issue that deserves immediate investigation.
“It is in the light of the foregoing that we kindly request that you conduct an investigation into the issues raised in this petition to prosecute Hon Alex Mascot Ikwechhegh.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
