Over 70 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have condemned House of Representatives member Mr. Alex Ikwechegh’s assault on Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, a Bolt driver in Abuja, calling it “an affront on the rule of law.”
A signed statement from Global Rights, on behalf of the coalition, insists that Ikwechegh must face the full consequences of his actions, both in court and at the House of Representatives.
The incident, which has sparked outrage across Nigeria, took place on October 27, 2024.
Ikwechegh, allegedly slapped Abuwatseya three times, detained him, and impounded his car after a disagreement over a package delivery.
Captured on video and shared widely online, the footage shows Ikwechegh verbally abusing the driver and boasting of his authority, even falsely claiming to be a “Federal Senator.”
The display of alleged impunity has galvanized civil society organizations across Nigeria to demand Ikwechegh’s prosecution and immediate suspension from the House of Representatives.
According to the statement, the assault was unprovoked; Abuwatseya reportedly only requested Ikwechegh retrieve his package from outside his home.
“Instead of complying, Ikwechegh responded with insults, refused to pay the driver, and escalated to physical violence when Abuwatseya attempted to record the exchange.
“The lawmaker’s invocation of his political power, along with his attempt to shift blame onto Abuwatseya, has raised concerns about abuse of authority and disregard for justice among Nigeria’s elected officials,” it said.
In the wake of Ikwechegh’s apology, which civil society members criticized as insincere for referring to Abuwatseya only as “the Bolt driver,” the coalition emphasized that this incident highlights systemic impunity within Nigeria’s political and legal institutions.
“Had there been no video evidence, it’s likely Abuwatseya could have faced severe consequences,” the coalition wrote, underscoring the risk that abuses of power by public officials can go unchecked without public accountability.
The statement urged the Nigerian Police and Ministry of Justice to ensure Ikwechegh faces prosecution without special treatment, and demanded Abuwatseya receive full protection from potential intimidation by law enforcement and Ikwechegh’s allies.
The coalition also called on the National Human Rights Commission, which is tasked with safeguarding citizens’ rights, to ensure political influence does not interfere with a fair investigation.
They reminded government leaders that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” a principle enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
Reflecting on the broader implications of this case, the civil society groups called for significant reforms in Nigeria’s justice system.
The coalition, which includes prominent rights groups like Amnesty International Nigeria, Enough is Enough, the Centre for Social Justice, and the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), emphasized that holding Ikwechegh accountable is essential for restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s leadership.
“Power should not be a license to oppress,” the coalition declared, urging the government and the House of Representatives to show their commitment to justice by suspending Ikwechegh if they fail to act.