A Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, has publicly apologised to Hon. Alex Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives from Abia State, following a heated altercation that occurred while he was delivering a package to the lawmaker.
In a video message released to the press, Abuwatseya expressed deep regret for his actions and called for unity and forgiveness among Nigerians.
“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 apologize to him for whatever I must have said or done to provoke him to that level of anger,” Abuwatseya began. His voice was calm, and his message appeared sincere as he further appealed to Nigerians for forgiveness.
Abuwatseya made it clear that his apology was not just about the incident but also a call for national healing. “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,” he said.
The apology came after a public clash between the two men, which sparked a wave of reactions on social media. Abuwatseya’s call for unity was underscored by his mention of forgiveness, quoting a well-known biblical phrase. “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,” he added.
Abuwatseya also took the opportunity to thank his family and supporters who stood by him throughout the controversy. “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 appreciate all of you. I love you all. Thank you. God bless Nigeria.”
This apology comes just days after Hon. Ikwechegh also issued his own public statement in which he expressed regret for his actions during the altercation. In an Instagram post, the lawmaker stated that his behavior did not meet the standards expected from a public official, despite the provocation he had experienced.
Ikwechegh acknowledged his role in the incident and took full responsibility for his actions. “I apologize to the Uber driver, the Nigerian Police Force, and the National Assembly. My actions did not reflect the dignity of my office,” he wrote.
The lawmaker’s apology came after he had engaged in alternative dispute resolution with Abuwatseya, which led to a “mutual and respectful agreement” between the two. “We have resolved the matter amicably, and we are both moving forward,” Ikwechegh stated.
The incident, which had initially sparked widespread outrage on social media, has now taken a positive turn with both parties expressing remorse and seeking forgiveness.
The altercation occurred when Abuwatseya, while delivering a package to the lawmaker, was involved in a disagreement that escalated into an exchange of words. The details of the disagreement remain unclear, but it is understood that both parties were provoked during the encounter.
