The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has reacted to a video purportedly showing Alex Ikwechegh, a member of the house of representatives, assaulting a Bolt driver.
Ikwechegh, a member of APGA, represents Aba north and south federal constituency of Abia state.
Videos of the lawmaker purportedly assaulting the driver have gone viral.
The clips showed a man identified as Ikwechegh hurling invective and expletives on the driver while threatening to “make him disappear”.
The incident occurred on October 27 in the Maitama area of Abuja.
Shortly afterwards, the Nigeria Police Force Complaint Response Unit (NPF-CRU) said it has launched investigation into the case.
Olumuyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, identified the Bolt driver as Stephen Abuwatseya, who reported the incident to the Maitama divisional headquarters in Abuja.
Reacting to the development in a statement on Monday, Ejimofor Opara, APGA’s national publicity secretary, condemned the alleged assault meted out by its member.
The party described the lawmaker’s act as ”totally unacceptable” and runs counter to what it represents.
“The attention of our great party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has been drawn to a viral video of alleged assault meted out to a citizen by the Honourable member representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, Hon Alex Ikwechegh,” the statement reads.
“As a political party founded on respect for Human Rights, we roundly condemn the action of our said member and Federal Parliamentarian, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, on the platform of our great Party.
“As a party, we are founded on the basic principles of upholding the dignity of all humans irrespective of class, creed and/or ethnicity; however, the recent video allegedly showing Hon. Ikwechegh assaulting a cab driver is totally unacceptable and runs counter to what our Party — APGA– represents.
“In line with APGA’s constitution, the Leadership of the Party shall set up a disciplinary committee to investigate the act, and if found wanting, appropriate sanctions shall be meted on him in line with the Constitution of APGA.”
Opara said all members and elected officials are expected to exhibit high standards of decorum, civility, and integrity.
He added that it will not tolerate conduct contrary to its founding ideals and emphasises mutual accountability among members.
By Abdulsalam Abdullah @The Cable
