There are indications that Bolt driver assaulter and honourable member of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh compensated the assaulted Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya with N5m and a new car.

This was revealed by a representative of the Nigerian e-hailing drivers’ union, the Amalgamated Union of App-based Workers of Nigeria (AUATON) during a conversation with Technext yesterday.

Recall that we reported yesterday an AUATON announcement that he will sponsor a national e-hailing regulatory bill at the federal House of Representatives. According to the union, the decision to sponsor the e-hailing bill resulted from a meeting between its officers and Honourable Alex Ikwechegh in his office.

Alex is a Member representing the Aba North and South federal constituency at the federal. lower chamber.

During the meeting, Hon. Ikwechegh reportedly tendered a formal apology for the assault on the driver who is also a member of the union. He also reaffirmed his commitment to treating e-hailing workers with respect and dignity and promised to support the drafting of a new bill.

Reacting to concerns that the union is taking advantage of the assault to drive its agenda rather than seek compensation for the victim, the Chairman of AUATON Lagos State chapter, Comrade Jaiyesimi Azeez pointed out that the victim has already been given N5 million and a car.

“The guy has apologized and accepted to sponsor a bill. Pushing a bill will still cost him a lot of money for it to be supported. He had tried to compensate him (the victim) with N5 million and a car. Although compensation is not the issue now, the guy has felt sober. Should he go and hang himself again? I hereby suggest that we should be contented with whatever compensation the man has offered,” he explained.

He added that backing the e-hailing bill is another form of compensation.

Still in its drafting stages, the legislation would focus on several core areas. These include:

1. Platform Accountability: Establishing fair and transparent practices for ride-hailing companies, ensuring they operate with integrity and respect for both drivers and riders.
2. Driver Rights and Welfare: Ensuring fair compensation, access to benefits, and protections against unfair treatment.
3. Passenger Safety: Setting standards for security and accountability, making the e-hailing experience safer and more reliable.

If Hon Alex backs the proposed national e-hailing bill, it would mark a watershed for the sector in Nigeria where industry-specific legislation has been largely absent.

“This engagement with Hon. Ikwechegh is a turning point for our union and Nigeria’s app-based transport workers. Our goal is to establish a legal framework that secures fair treatment, safety, and economic viability for drivers, while also ensuring that passengers and platform providers are protected. Hon. Ikwechegh’s support brings us closer to achieving these goals,” the national chairman, Adedamola Adeniran said.

Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya tenders apology in new video

In a. dramatic turn, the. assaulted driver, Stephen Abuwatseya has apologised to the House of Representatives member. In a video statement released to the press on Thursday, Abuwatseya expressed regret for provoking Ikwechegh and asked Nigerians for forgiveness.

“Good day, Nigerians. My name is Stephen Abuwatseya. I had a misunderstanding with Rt. Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh a few days ago. I want to apologize to him for whatever I must have said or done to provoke him to that level of anger”, the driver said in the video.

The driver also thanked his family and well-wishers for their support”

“I want to use this medium to thank my family members, my parents, my brothers, my uncles and everybody that stood by me. I want to thank all of you. I love you all. Thank you. God bless Nigeria.”

He urged everyone to move on from the incident.

How it all started

Recall that weeks ago, a video made the rounds on social media showing the lawmaker member assaulting a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya. In it, Hon Alex Ikwechegh could be heard calling the driver  a rat and a monkey, he threatened to make the man disappear and “nothing will happen.”

“Are you even looking at me that you can beat me? Who the hell do you think that you are talking to? Do you know who I am? I am a Senator of this republic. Do you know who the f**k I am? How dare you? You are not leaving this place o. You see this place? You will suffer. I will deal with you. I am Alex Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives. Call the Inspector General of Police, call him let him come,” Alex Ikwechegh could be heard yelling at the driver.

Following the incident, Ikwechegh issued a public apology, acknowledging his actions and expressing regret over his behaviour during the incident In a message posted on Instagram, the lawmaker apologized to the Bolt driver, the Nigerian Police Force, and the National Assembly.

He admitted his actions alternated the standards expected of a public official, regardless of the situation.

Ikwechegh expressed that he and Abuwatseya had engaged in alternative dispute resolution, resulting in a “mutual and respectful agreement” between them.