Civil society organizations across Nigeria are united in their condemnation of an assault committed by Mr. Alex Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives, against Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, a Bolt driver in Abuja.
The incident, which took place on Sunday, October 27, 2024, was captured in a viral video, showing Ikwechegh verbally and physically assaulting Abuwatseya after the driver politely requested him to collect a package outside his home.
According to reports, Ikwechegh, who represents the Aba North and South Federal Constituency, not only refused to pay for the driver’s service but also unleashed a tirade, claiming to be a “Federal Senator” and asserting his ability to act with impunity. As Abuwatseya attempted to document the incident, Ikwechegh slapped him three times and later had him arrested on false charges of assault.
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The video has triggered widespread support for Abuwatseya and a wave of condemnation for Ikwechegh, who has since been arrested by the Nigerian Police. While the lawmaker issued an apology, many view it as insufficient, particularly given his refusal to directly address Abuwatseya by name in the statement.
The 84 civil society groups are calling for Ikwechegh to face the full consequences of his actions. They demand justice, urging the police and Ministry of Justice to prosecute him, and calling for his immediate suspension from the House of Representatives. The groups emphasize that the rule of law must prevail, insisting that no individual, regardless of their political stature, is above the law.
As this incident sheds light on the pervasive culture of impunity within Nigeria’s political landscape, civil society organizations reaffirm their commitment to advocating for accountability and reform in the justice system, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to protect the rights and dignity of all citizens.
The statement is signed by the following groups:
1. 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth and Women Initiative
2. Abubakar Mohammed
3. Accountability Lab
4. ACE-Nigeria
5. Advocacy Centre for Development
6. African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)
7. African Law Foundation (AFRILAW)
8. Alliances for Africa (AFA)
9. Amnesty International Nigeria
10. Baobab for Women’s Human Rights
11. Bauchi Human Rights Network
12. BENDEF
13. BOCODEP
14. BudgIT
15. Bwatiye Community Development Association
16. Cedar Seed Foundation
17. CEE- HOPE
18. Centre for Community Excellence (CENCEX )
19. Centre for Social Justice
20. Centre LSD
21. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
22. Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)
23. Citizens Advocacy for Social & Economic Rights (CASER)
24. Clean Technology Hub
25. CLEEN Foundation
26. Community Life Project (CLP)
27. Community Outreach for Development and Welfare Advocacy (CODWA)
28. Companions for the Development of Jibia Local Government Area
29. Connected Advocacy
30. Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR)
31. Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)
32. Disabled People in Leadership Initiative and Network of Women with Disabilities
33. Dorothy Njemanze Foundation (DNF)
34. Enough Is Enough
35. F. S. A. F. C. I
36. FEMBUD
37. FENRAD
38. Gatefield
39. Gender Relevance Initiative Promotion
40. Global Rights
41. Grassroots Development Centre
42. HEDA
43. Human Rights Network Jigawa
44. Initiative for Social Development
45. Keen and Care Initiative (KCI)
46. Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre
47. Life and Peace Development Organisation
48. Media Rights Agenda
49. Mowalek Centre for Sustainable Community Development
50. Neighbourhood Environment Watch Foundation
51. Nextier SPD (Security, Peace and Development)
52. Nigerian Network of NGOs
53. Network of University Legal Aid Institutions (NULAI)
54. Online Hub NG
55. OrderPaper Advocacy Initiative
56. Organization for Community Civic Engagement (OCCEN)
57. Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN)
58. Partnership for Justice and Network of Nigerian Human Rights Defenders
59. Policy Alert
60. PRAWA International
61. Praxis Center
62. Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Nigeria
63. Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC)
64. SBM Intelligence
65. Sesor Empowerment Initiative
66. SIPJAD
67. Social Action
68. Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre
69. Sokoto Youth Council
70. South Saharan Social Development Organisation
71. Stephanie Peacebuilding and Development Foundation (SPADEV)
72. Support Initiative for Sustainable Development
73. Tap Initiative
74. TechHerNG
75. The Kukah Centre
76. The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED)
77. Urban Alert
78. We The People
79. West African Drug Policy Network (WADPN)
80. Woman in Media Communication Initiative (WIM)
81. Women in Mining Nigeria (WIMNG)
82. Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA)
83. Yiaga Africa
84. Yobe Youth Council
