The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to investigate the member representing Abia North/ Abia South Federal Constituency of Abia State, Hon. Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh who assaulted a can driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on ‘Matter of Privilege ‘ sponsored by the Majority Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonbvere who condemned the lawmaker’s unruly behaviour.
While addressing the House, Hon. Ihonbvere alleged that the public altercation with the Uber Driver affected the collective image of all the members of the 10th Assembly.
“We have tried in this House since the 9th House that I know and this House in particular to rebuild our collective image. It is that collective image that individuals use to interact with the outside world.
“It is the way you build your house, you run your house, you manage your house that outsiders will see and give you respect even before you say a word.
“In fact Mr. Speaker, the tendency has been for people particularly in certain sectors to while noting that the House “has a responsibility to Nigerians, to build this institution to where it would, when you hand over that will come before us to have reasons to be proud of us. Our goal is to hand to them a banner without stain.
“I want to say that what has been in the news we all probably readily know about it, that our member, Honourable Mascot Ikwechegh had an altercation with a Cab driver. It is not my job to begin to analyze the video that we have all seen or to analyze the commentary but I have the responsibility to say that this House will not sit and accommodate any aberration.
“In fact if you look at Order 5(e), it spelt out very clearly how to deal with anybody, any form of infraction or aberration or misconduct by a member of the House.”
While noting that the matter is a serious one, he, therefore, urged the House to take necessary measures to address it, adding that: “this matter is serious enough, it impinges on our collective integrity, it attacks the conscience of the average Nigerian, it derogates on the image and expectations of the public on what we stand for as a House.
“And we have to demonstrate to that public that brought us here that it’s better for us to come in here that we recognize it, we are pained, we are offended, we are not happy about it,” he noted.
He therefore urged the House to refer the matter to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges and report back within one week.
In his remarks, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu who presided over the session averred that issue of privilege are not debated the House rules.
Meanwhile, there was mild drama on the floor, as the embattled lawmaker, Hon. Mascot raised his hand.
But the Deputy Speaker who recognized him said: “Mascot, Hon. Mascot Ikwechegh you are raising your hand, we don’t debate privilege, what are you raising your hand for? Point of Order, can you put on your microphone please?”
In adherence to the provisions of the House rules, Hon. Kalu urged the embattled lawmaker to approach the Chairman of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges for further consumption after the plenary.
Meanwhile, in his remarks, Hon. Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh tendered unreserved apologies to the leadership and members of the 10th Assembly and Nigerians, Inspector General of Police (IGP) as well as the Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya.
While acknowledging that there was no justification for his outburst, he said: “While I am human and not infallible, I remain accountable for my actions. Citizen Abuwatseya and I have explored alternative dispute resolution methods to address this issue and have reached a respectful resolution, which I am committed to following through.
“Additionally, my sincere apologies to the Inspector General of Police, recognizing the unintended disparagement my remarks may have caused to his person, his office, and the entire institution. I reaffirm my respect for the Nigerian Police Force and the Inspector General’s commitment to maintaining law and order.
“Additionally, I extend my sincere apologies to the leadership and members of this House and the National Assembly as a whole for any deficit in goodwill this incident may have caused. I am aware that my actions reflect not only on myself but also on this esteemed institution and the trust that the public places in us.
“This incident has been a humbling reminder of the necessity for restraint and self-control, especially in challenging circumstances. I sincerely apologize for any pain or discomfort my actions may have caused, and I am committed to learning from this experience to grow into a better citizen and a more empathetic representative of the people.
“This experience is particularly disheartening given my recent achievements in constituency engagement, including many interventions in health, agriculture, education, and economic empowerment for my people. It is a teachable moment not only for me but also for many in the political sphere, as we are held to higher standards of conduct and rhetoric, even under provocation.”
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