The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, has expressed concern that his colleague, Alex Ikwechegh, might face severe repercussions, including what he termed a “double tragedy,” following the recent assault on an e-hailing driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, in Abuja.
Ikwechegh, representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), allegedly slapped Abuwatseya after a disagreement involving a snail delivery.
In a widely circulated video, an irate Ikwechegh was heard berating the snail vendor over the phone in the driver’s presence, calling Abuwatseya a “stupid idiot” and issuing a threat to make him “disappear.”
Following the incident, public outcry grew, with many Nigerians demanding justice. The Nigeria Police swiftly acted by arresting Ikwechegh, who later issued a public apology to Abuwatseya and the Nigerian public.
Last Wednesday, Ikwechegh appeared before a Kuje Magistrates’ Court, where he faced charges of abuse of office, assault, and threat to life. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail set at ₦500,000.
The case was adjourned by Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id to November 8 for further hearing.
Chinda, on the Sunday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television, said, “Presently, he is being prosecuted. He is at the Magistrate Court. The House has also sent him to the disciplinary committee on the same issue.
“Perhaps, he might suffer double jeopardy if he is undergoing prosecution and disciplined in the House.”
Chinda said he has spoken with his colleague and he has shown remorse and apologised to Nigerians.
“But in essence, I don’t think anybody will agree that that is a standard for parliamentarians. They call us honourable members so we should be honourable within and outside the parliament. And people should look up to us. Public office holders are like pastors and Imams and people should look up to you in character and conduct,” he said.