Nigerians React As Slapped Bolt Driver Apologises to Abia Lawmaker

Stephen Abuwatseya, a Bolt driver who was assaulted by a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, has issued a public apology to the lawmaker.

The incident, which came from an altercation over a package delivery, has sparked widespread backlash on social media, with many Nigerians expressing anger and disappointment over the driver’s apology.

In a video statement released on Thursday, Abuwatseya, who filmed the altercation that showed the visibly angry Ikwechegh repeatedly slapping him, addressed the incident and apologised for what he described as his role in provoking the lawmaker’s anger.  The driver asked for forgiveness and urged Nigerians to move on from the situation.

Good day, Nigerians. My name is Stephen Abuwatseya. I had a misunderstanding with  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, he stated.

The incident, which occurred on October 28, captured public attention after the video surfaced, showing Ikwechegh confronting Abuwatseya in his residence in Maitama, Abuja.

The lawmaker, who reportedly grew agitated when Abuwatseya asked him to step outside to receive a package of snails, was seen slapping and verbally assaulting the driver in the recorded video.

Following the video’s release, Ikwechegh took to Instagram to issue a public apology, admitting that his actions were not befitting of a public official.

He expressed regret over his conduct and apologised to Abuwatseya, the Nigerian Police Force, and the National Assembly, acknowledging that his behaviour fell short of the standards expected of someone in his position.

According to Ikwechegh, the two had since engaged in alternative dispute resolution and had reached a “mutual and respectful agreement.” However, Abuwatseya’s apology to Ikwechegh has elicited mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians questioning the sincerity of his statement.

Some social media users speculated that the driver may have been coerced or compensated to make the apology.  On X,  another user, @derekchichi, posted,

If this guy was paid off (I believe he was), why not simply tell people you’ve settled with the lawmaker and are moving on with your life? Don’t come out to preach; you’re nobody’s Rabbi. We only supported you because we don’t condone injustice (regardless of the victim).

Another user, @E_Mbuyazi, commented,

Dem don use millions settle his conscience. Poor man’s dignity is for sale. Shame.

@ObianujuMenkiti, who added,

For this to be true, two things are involved: 1. Threat to life; 2. Bank alert. These are the only two things that can make a man apologise to someone who disrespected his hustle, assaulted him, threatened him with ‘magical disappearance’ and more.

Other reactions on social media suggested that some Nigerians felt disillusioned, citing concerns that threats or financial incentives may have influenced Abuwatseya’s apology.

Some netizens speculated that the driver’s apology was a result of pressure from associates of the lawmaker. In contrast, others argued it might have stemmed from the realities of financial hardship, calling it a reflection of broader systemic issues.

Recall a Kuje Magistrate Court in Abuja granted N500,000 bail to Ikwechegh following an alleged assault on Abuwatseya.

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