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POLICE ARREST HOUSE OF REPS MEMBER FOR SLAPPING BOLT DRIVER, APGA VOWS DISCIPLINARY ACTION
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested Hon. Alexander Ikwegh, a lawmaker representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State, for allegedly assaulting a Bolt driver, Mr Stephen Abuwatseya.
According to a statement released by the FCT Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the incident occurred when Abuwatseya delivered a package to Ikwegh’s residence, with a dispute arising over the delivery method.
Ikwegh allegedly slapped the driver and made derogatory comments about the Inspector General of Police.
The FCT Police Command expressed concern over Ikwegh’s attitude, stating that he is undergoing questioning at the Maitama Police Station.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Hon. Ikwegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery. During this altercation, Mr. Abuwatseya was reportedly physically assaulted.
“The FCT Police Command expresses grave concern over Hon. Ikwegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police following the incident.
“After allegedly slapping the victim, he 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.
“Currently, the suspect is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning,” the FCT police said.
The incident took place on Sunday at Ikwegh’s Abuja residence. The Bolt driver, Mr. Abuwatseya, delivered a package to the lawmaker, but a dispute arose over the delivery method. Ikwegh allegedly slapped the driver.
“You are a common bolt driver, you are a poor man and you have pride,” the driver quoted the Abia State lawmaker as saying.
The driver was subsequently arrested and taken to the Maitama Police Station, where he was denied the right to receive calls. Police officers at the station accused him of going to fight a “senator” in his home.
Although released, his car is still in the custody of the police.
In the same vein, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has condemned the assault on a Bolt driver by Alex Ikwechegh,
In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Mazi Ejimofor Opara, the party stated that the lawmaker’s actions are “condemnable in all ramifications” and fall short of the party’s constitution.
The party announced the formation of a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter and enforce appropriate sanctions if Ikwechegh is found guilty.
The statement reiterated APGA’s commitment to upholding dignity and integrity among its members and highlighted that conduct contrary to its values will not be tolerated.
Opara called on all party members and elected officials to maintain high standards of decorum and civility in all engagements.
Part of the statement read: “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.
“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.”
