Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization, has issued a strong condemnation of Alex Ikwechegh, the House of Representatives member representing Aba North and South, following his alleged assault on a cab driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, in Abuja. The incident reportedly occurred in Maitama while Abuwatseya was delivering a package, escalating into a confrontation that led to threats and physical violence.
In a statement released by the factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the organization expressed profound disappointment in Ikwechegh’s conduct, characterizing it as damaging not only to the individual involved but also to the reputation of the Southeast as a whole. The statement highlighted the need for accountability and urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the incident thoroughly.
“We are deeply disturbed by the unacceptable conduct shown by Honorable Alex Ikwechegh in a violent incident involving Mr. Abuwatseya, an Uber driver, in Abuja,” Isiguzoro stated. “This incident, marked by threats and physical aggression, endangers lives and tarnishes the Southeast’s image.”
Isiguzoro further warned that allowing such behaviour to go unchecked could set a dangerous precedent, weakening the rule of law and diminishing public trust in elected officials. “Public servants must be held to the highest standards, especially when they hold authority over others,” he stressed.
The incident reportedly unfolded when a dispute arose between Ikwechegh and Abuwatseya, which escalated quickly. This has raised concerns among citizens regarding the conduct of elected representatives and their treatment of ordinary citizens.
The organization reiterated its commitment to justice, respect, and the integrity of the Igbo people, stating, “Such actions are entirely contrary to the values we hold dear as Igbo people—respect, community, and protection of the vulnerable.”
Community leaders and citizens alike have reacted to the incident with shock and disappointment. Many see this as a symbolic issue, highlighting a troubling trend among some public officials who are perceived as abusing their positions of power. Local activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkBlackMan, expressed his outrage, stating, “I won’t lie, I watched the video with a surge of emotions and anger. It’s painful to see a senator, someone elected to represent the people, behaving like this towards them.”
The incident has also sparked conversations on social media, with many users expressing outrage at Ikwechegh’s alleged behaviour and calling for immediate action from law enforcement. “The president has a great opportunity to use this honourable member to show good example and send a message to all Nigerian leaders” -stylextras_official
“they should also investigate the parcel he received!! He should face the law!! He has no business in that office at all” -augustivity
“He should be sacked and barred from running for or holding political offices again. His alttitude and political office cannot mix”- lagosdubaiparis
“Nice one …he deserves pressure”-nick_tha_creator
“He should be recalled, this not an honorable representative”-ovokester
“very shameful and disgusting behavior”-priscyiti
