A video of Alex Ikwechegh assaulting Stephen Abuwatseya and threatening him had gone viral, inciting condemnations from Nigerians.
Hours after the video arose, the Green Chamber said it was worried over the incident, which it takes “seriously”.
House of Representatives, National Assembly
Office of the House Spokesman
Official Press Statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Response to Allegations of Assault Involving Rep. Alex Ikwechegh (APGA, Abia)
A Thread🧵HouseNGR https://x.com/HouseNGR/status/1850994790693061110
— Nigeria House of Representatives (@HouseNGR) October 28, 2024, https://x.com/HouseNGR/status/1850994790693061110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
“These reports, which have garnered widespread media coverage and public attention, detail accusations of a physical confrontation with an e-hailing driver, Citizen Stephen Abuwatseya, and the use of threatening language,” Reps spokesman Akin Rotimi Jr said in a late Monday statement.
“The 10th Assembly, House of Representatives, takes these allegations very seriously. As elected officials, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability in our official engagements and privately. Any behaviour that falls short of these standards is a matter of concern, and we are committed to addressing such issues with the utmost seriousness.
We are aware that the matter is currently before the Nigeria Police, and we encourage the public to give room for due process of investigation to unfurl. We embrace further engagement from the public regarding the matter, which can be shared via email at [email protected], [email protected], even as we keep on monitoring the matter.
“We remain dedicated to upholding the values of accountability, transparency, and ethical behaviour that define the 10th Assembly, House of Representatives. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
Following the turn of events, police authorities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) said the lawmaker from Abia State was in its custody.
“Currently, the suspect is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning,” the police said in a statement.
