Abia lawmaker, Alex Ikwechegh, has claimed that he has become friends with a cab driver he assaulted last year. Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency, was heavily criticized for repeatedly slapping and insulting the driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, who had delivered a package to his Abuja residence.
In a recent interview monitored by TRIBUNE ONLINE, Ikwechegh described the incident as “unfortunate” and a “low moment” for him. He also claimed that he and Abuwatseya had put the incident behind them and were now friends, along with Abuwatseya’s pastor.
“What happened was quite unfortunate, but I take it that it’s an avenue for me as a person to also build a relationship with the young man that came. Today we are friends. It was taken to court, but of course, the court found no merits, and it was struck out.
“The video that everybody saw was a low moment. I felt the sanctity of my home was being desecrated. Of course, part of the video you people saw, is the part that people saw, people actually do not know what happened before that reaction. Like they say, actions preempt reactions, but whatever anybody must have seen is not indicative of who I am,” he told Channels TV.
However, Ikwechegh’s attempt to downplay the incident has been met with skepticism. Many have questioned his claims of friendship with Abuwatseya, given the severity of the assault.
The incident had sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for Ikwechegh to be held accountable for his actions.
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