In a candid interview with Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on January 27, 2025, Rep Alex Ikwechegh (APGA, Aba North & South) looked back on the viral confrontation with a Bolt driver that sparked nationwide outrage in October 2024, humorously referring to himself as “the man who makes things disappear.”
The incident, which garnered significant public attention, involved the lawmaker angrily confronting and physically assaulting Stephen Abuwatseya, an e-hailing driver, over a dispute concerning a snail delivery. Ikwechegh, however, took the opportunity to reflect on the event, describing it as a turning point that has led to a surprising new friendship.
“What happened was quite unfortunate,” said Ikwechegh. “But I take it as an avenue for me to also build a relationship with the young man. Today, we are friends.”
The lawmaker admitted that while the video of the confrontation showed a low moment, it didn’t reflect the full context of the situation. “People do not know what happened before my reaction,” he noted. “Like they say, actions pre-empt reactions.”
The viral footage, which was widely circulated on social media, depicted Ikwechegh in a furious rage as he slapped Abuwatseya three times, making threats to have the driver “disappear” from Nigeria. “Can you imagine this rat? I can make this man disappear in this whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen,” Ikwechegh was heard saying in the video.
The altercation began when Abuwatseya, who had been tasked with delivering snails to the lawmaker, arrived at his residence. The delivery did not go as planned, and a disagreement quickly escalated. Abuwatseya reportedly demanded payment, but Ikwechegh accused him of disrespect for failing to step out of the car to deliver the goods.
The verbal spat turned physical when Ikwechegh slapped the driver in the presence of witnesses, prompting public outrage and a swift response from the authorities. In the aftermath, the police arrested the lawmaker, and he was later arraigned in court for the assault.
Despite the fallout, Ikwechegh said that the matter was resolved amicably. “I was taken to court, but the court found no merit and struck the case out. I’ve made peace with it, and the young man and I have moved on,” he added.
The controversy surrounding the incident sparked a wider conversation about the conduct of public figures and the use of power, particularly when it comes to interactions with ordinary citizens. Nigerians expressed their disapproval, with many calling for the lawmaker to be held accountable for his actions. However, in the days that followed, both Ikwechegh and Abuwatseya extended apologies to one another, and the issue was settled privately. The lawmaker even went as far as compensating the driver for his troubles.
Reflecting on the aftermath, Ikwechegh acknowledged the damage to his public image but insisted that the event did not define him. “Whatever anybody has seen is not indicative of who I am. I’ve been in the public space for a very long time, and there has never been any scandal about me,” he remarked.
The incident, which was initially a source of embarrassment, has since become a part of Ikwechegh’s public persona. He quipped, “Today, the whole world knows me as the man who makes things to disappear.”
He further explained that, despite the viral nature of the incident, he was able to turn the experience into an opportunity for personal growth and reconciliation. “I’m very close to his bishop, his pastor, and I’ve made a bunch of new friends,” he said. “Today, I am friends with Stephen, and we’ve moved on. It’s in the past now.”
Ikwechegh’s comments have sparked mixed reactions. While some have commended him for his maturity in moving on from the ordeal, others have criticized the trivialization of his past actions. Critics argue that the violent nature of the encounter should not be dismissed so lightly, especially for a public official entrusted with the responsibility of representing Nigerians.
The lawmaker’s candid reflection highlights a shift in his public narrative. In the wake of the scandal, Ikwechegh appears to have transformed a controversial chapter into a redemptive one, leveraging the situation to foster new relationships and rebuild his image.
