A Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, has finally apologised to a House of Representatives member representing Aba North/South of Abia State in the National Assembly, Hon. Alex Ikwechegh, for insulting him when he went to deliver a package to him.
In a video personally released to the press, Mr Abuwatseya begged Nigerians to forgive him and urged them to move forward.
He said, “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.”
Abuwatseya also called for unity and forgiveness.
He said: “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 took time to thank his family and well-wishers for their support, saying: “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 Ikwechegh himself issued a public statement, acknowledging his actions and expressing regret over his behaviour during the altercation.
In a message posted on his Instagram account, the lawmaker apologised to the Uber driver, the Nigerian Police Force, and the National Assembly, asserting that his actions fell short of the standards expected from a public officeholder, regardless of how intense the provocation may have been.
Ikwechegh explained that he had engaged in alternative dispute resolution with Abuwatseya, which led to a “mutual and respectful agreement” between the two parties.
