Impunity on Display: 84 CSOs Condemn Assault on Bolt Driver by Lawmaker

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A coalition of 84 civil society organizations has publicly denounced the recent assault of Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, a Bolt driver, allegedly by Mr. Alex Ikwechegh, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, October 27, 2024, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.

In a video that circulated on social media, Mr. Ikwechegh was reportedly seen verbally and physically assaulting Mr. Abuwatseya after the driver requested that the lawmaker come to the gate to receive a package. In response, Mr. Ikwechegh allegedly slapped the driver, refused to pay for his services, and then falsely claimed to be a “Federal Senator” while threatening repercussions. After Mr. Abuwatseya attempted to record the altercation for his safety, Mr. Ikwechegh reportedly escalated the confrontation, leading to the driver’s arrest on a baseless assault accusation and the impoundment of his vehicle.

https://newsdiaryonline.com/kalu-assures-wike-of-legislative-support-to-improve-infrastructure-food-security/Although Mr. Ikwechegh has since issued an apology, referring to the victim only as “the driver,” the civil society groups argue that the apology falls short, given the severity of his actions. The coalition, in a joint statement, demanded that Mr. Ikwechegh face justice both in court and in the House of Representatives.

In addition to condemning the lawmaker’s actions, the statement expressed concerns about the wider culture of impunity among Nigeria’s elite. “This case unfortunately exemplifies the impunity that has come to define our government in all arms and at all levels,” the coalition noted, stressing that without Mr. Abuwatseya’s recording, the assault might have gone unpunished. The group further criticized the silence of fellow lawmakers, interpreting it as tacit endorsement.

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The civil society coalition has called on the Nigerian Police and Ministry of Justice to ensure a fair investigation and trial for Mr. Ikwechegh. They also urged the House of Representatives to suspend him in accordance with their rules, as a failure to act would “imply tacit approval of the oppression of citizens whom they are elected to represent.”

Among the demands put forward by the group is a call for the National Human Rights Commission to prioritize the case and ensure Mr. Abuwatseya’s protection from further intimidation. The coalition emphasized that swift and decisive action in this case is necessary to address a larger crisis within Nigeria’s justice system, including ongoing issues with detention practices and the rights of citizens to dignity and protection.

The coalition includes organizations such as Civil Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC), Amnesty International Nigeria, Accountability Lab, and the Centre for Social Justice, who have pledged continued advocacy to ensure the government is held accountable. The incident has reignited discussions on needed reforms to Nigeria’s justice system and the unchecked power held by some of its political elite.

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