The House of Representatives has revealed plans to invite an e-hailing driver in Abuja who was allegedly assaulted by one of its members, Alex Ikwechegh. Francis Waive, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business disclosed this when he appeared on a programme of the TVC.
The Committee chairman asserted that the House would apply the core principles of fair hearing and rules of law while investigating the assault matter.
He said, “In every case where such things have been done, the House gives a privilege, opportunity rather, to every party involved to be heard. In this particular case. The driver will be invited by the ethics and privileges to tell his side of the story and the honourable member will also tell his side of his story.
“And other people involved like whoever made those phone calls. And usually we do our things in the open, public hearing and investigative hearing are always open. And the public can be assured that we are always open.”
SaharaReporters had reported how a viral video on social media captured Alex Ikwechegh assaulting the Bolt driver.
Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State, repeatedly slapped the driver and hurled insults at him for asking him to come to his car to collect what he (the driver) was there to deliver.
Ikwechegh had also threatened to make the driver disappear from Nigeria, saying nothing would happen if he did, even if the driver called on the Inspector-General of Police.
The lawmaker also refused to pay the driver and boasted that he is a member of the House of Representatives. He broke the driver’s phone and tore his clothes for “disrespecting him”.
He threatened to beat the driver and lock him in his generator house to make him suffer.
The Nigeria Police Force had also said it has commenced an “impartial” investigation into the matter.
The police in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reaffirmed its commitment and readiness to ensure justice is served accordingly.
