A collage photo of Stephen Abuwatseya and Alex Ikwechegh
By Victory Oghene
In a dramatic turn if events,
e-hailing driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, has tendered an apology to the House of Representatives member, Alex Ikwechegh.
Recall that thr lawmaker assaulted him in Abuja during an altercation over a package delivery.
In a video statement released to the press on Thursday, Abuwatseya expressed “regret” for provoking Ikwechegh and asked Nigerians for forgiveness.
He also urged everyone to move on from the incident.
He stated, “Good day, Nigerians. My name is Stephen Abuwatseya. I had a misunderstanding with Rt. Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh a few days ago. I actually want to apologise to him for whatever I must have said or done to provoke him to that level of anger.
“I want to tell Nigerians that it’s not time for us to start dividing ourselves based on religion, tribes, or regions. We should actually come together, see how we can unite this nation, and move it forward.
“Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive and forget, as it’s even contained in our Lord’s Prayer, that ‘Lord, please forgive us, as we forgive those who trespass against us.’ For there is no justice without forgiveness. Thank you very much.”
The driver also thanked his family and well-wishers for their support over the issue, “I want to use this medium to thank my family members, my parents, my brothers, my uncles and everybody that stood by me. I want to thank all of you. I love you all. Thank you. God bless you.
It would be recalled that Ikwechegh was granted bail of N500,000 by the Chief Magistrate Court in Kuje, Abuja, after he was caught on camera assaulting Abuwatseya.
During the court session on Wednesday, Ikwechegh faced three counts bordering on abuse of office, assault, and threat to life.
The case was filed by the office of the Inspector-General of Police while the presiding judge is His Worship, Abubakar Umar Sai’id.
Ikewechegh appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His counsel made an oral application for bail, which was granted by His Worship Abubakar Umar Sai’id.
His bail was set at N500,000, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide utility bills as proof of residence.
The case was subsequently adjourned to November 8.
