Officials explain why top lawmaker who attacked Bolt driver can’t be suspended, details emerge

• A viral video has sparked public outrage in Nigeria, allegedly showing MP Alex Ikwecheg assaulting a Bolt driver at his Abuja residence.
• Responding to widespread calls for action, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu addressed the House of Representatives, stressing the need for a fair hearing
• The House of Representatives referred the matter to its Ethics and Privileges Committee, allowing an internal investigation

FCT, Abuja – Nigerians have expressed widespread outrage following the circulation of a video purporting to show Alex Ikwecheg, a prominent member House of Representatives representative of Aba North and South Federal District who allegedly assaulted the Bolt driver.

Legit.ng reported the incident reportedly took place at Ikwecheg Maitama’s residence in Abuja where the driver had arrived to deliver a package.

A video that later went viral shows Ikwecheg scolding and slapping the driver after he asked him to go outside to collect his delivery.

In the footage, Ikwecheg can be heard saying:

“Do you know who I am? I can make this person (the driver) disappear from the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen.

“Can you imagine this rat? I am not going to give that boy one naira of my money.”

House cites rules, postpones action

Reacting to the video, v House of Representatives addressed calls from Nigerians demanding rapid punitive action against Ikwecheg.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu emphasized the House’s commitment to due process and outlined the approach dictated by the institution’s rules.

“We cannot act according to what everyone wants us to do. We are guided by our rules and our rules remain that if at any time we feel a threat to the integrity and dignity of Parliament, we investigate through our internal structure,” Kalu explained.

He noted the importance of a fair hearing, referring to the principles of natural justice.

He said:

“In terms of the principles of natural justice, which is let both sides be heard, we have to make sure that we stick to what is a fair hearing.”

Officials are referring the case to an ethics committee for investigation

In his address, Kalu shared that the Leader of the House of Representatives has moved to refer the matter to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

“We do not judge in advance and do not make rash decisions. Therefore, as prayed by the Leader of the House, the matter will be referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges for hearing,” he said.

The lawman who attacked the bolt driver finally opens up

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Alex Ikwecheg, a member of the House of Representatives, issued a public statement apology for attacking an e-taxi driver, Stephen Abuwatse, in a viral video.

The incident occurred on Sunday, October 27, when Ikwecheg allegedly punched and insulted Abuwatse at his residence in Maitama, Abujaafter the driver asked him to pick up the snail delivery himself.

Source: Legit.ng