...APGA condemns assault on driver
The Maitama Police Division, Federal Capital Territory, FTC, Abuja, is currently interrogating Mr Alexander Ikwechegh, the Abia State House of Reps member, over his alleged assault on Bolt driver, Mr Stephen Abuyatseya, after the delivery of a package he requested for.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT, Mr Olatunji Disu, it was gathered, has mandated a thorough investigation into the matter and upon completion of the investigation, appropriate legal action would be taken.
In a video that went viral on social media, Ikwegh, was heard berating the Bolt driver for asking him to come and pick up his belongings from the car.
Describing it as an affront, he insisted that he would not pay the Bolt driver, describing his action as an insult to his person. The legislator was heard saying, 'Do you know who I am? I will not pay you, and nobody can do anything, go and call the Inspector General of Police."
But the Bolt driver, who was apparently unaware of the legislator's status, insisted on collecting his money. At one point, he said: "I don't care to know who you are. Just pay me my money and let me go."
In response, the legislator landed a slap on his face, and the Bolt driver was heard saying, "You slapped me two times."
The video has since generated an uproar on social media, calling for the arrest of the legislator.
Meanwhile, a statement by Josephine Adeh, spokesperson of the command, yesterday, said: "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 Ikwechegh, who represents the Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State.
"The incident occurred on October 27, 2024, at a residence on Zamfara Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.
"Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr. Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Ikwechegh 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 Ikwechegh'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.
"Commissioner of Police, FCT, Mr Disu, has mandated a thorough investigation into the matter.
"The command is committed to conducting an impartial investigation and ensuring justice in all cases.
"Upon completion of the investigation, appropriate legal action will be taken."
APGA condemns assault on driver
The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, a party on which platform Ikwechegh was elected to represent Aba North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has condemned his alleged assault on a cap driver at his Abuja residence.
National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, in a statement in Abuja, yesterday, said: "As a political party founded on respect for human rights, we roundly condemn the action of our said member, Ikwechegh.
"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 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.
"All members of APGA and indeed all elected officials on the platform of our great party are expected to exhibit the highest standards of decorum, civility, and integrity in all public and private engagements and 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 brothers and sisters keeper and it cannot be any other way."