A Kuje Justice of the Peace Courtroom within the Federal Capital Territory has adjourned to Friday, November 8, to start listening to on the costs introduced in opposition to a member of the Home of Representatives, representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State, Alexander Ikwechegh, after granting him bail within the sum of N500, 000.
Ikwechegh, who was arraigned on Wednesday, earlier than His Worship, Abubakar Umar Sai’id, for allegedly assaulting a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, at his residence in Abuja, pleaded not responsible to the costs introduced in opposition to him.
The Inspector Basic of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, arraigned Ikwechegh on three counts bordering on abuse of workplace, assault and menace to life.
After taking his plea, the lawmaker’s counsel proceeded to make an oral utility for bail, which was granted by the courtroom.
The Justice of the Peace mentioned, “The courtroom will grant the defendant a bail set at N500,000, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties should reside throughout the courtroom’s jurisdiction and supply utility payments as proof of residence.”
The courtroom proceeded to adjourn the listening to within the matter until November 8.
A video of Ikwechegh allegedly assaulting the Bolt driver had gone viral on social media on Monday.
Within the video, Ikwechegh will be seen repeatedly slapping the driving force. Except for the slaps, the lawmaker will be heard threatening the driving force and assuring him of how he could make him disappear and not using a hint.
In the meantime, a civil society organisation, Rule of Regulation and Accountability Advocacy Centre, in an announcement, on Wednesday, condemned Ikwechegh’s motion and described it as “a obvious instance of abuse of energy” most typical with politicians.
The assertion signed by RULAAC’s Government Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, mentioned the lawmaker’s motion was a disgrace not solely on him but in addition on each member of the Home of Representatives.
He acknowledged, “The current incident involving a federal lawmaker, Alex Ikwecheghi’s brutal therapy of Uber driver, Mr Stephen Abuwatseya, is a obvious instance of the abuse of energy that permeates Nigeria’s political panorama. Ikwechegh’s actions, together with verbal and bodily assault, in addition to intimidation of the sufferer, reveal a profound lack of humility and respect for the rights of others that needs to be anticipated from somebody in a public workplace.
“This incident not solely shames Ikwechegh but in addition displays poorly on the Home of Representatives, the police, and the broader political system. The indiscriminate use of energy to silence and management susceptible residents showcases a troubling pattern amongst officers who appear to function above the regulation. The complacency of the police on this matter raises critical considerations about their integrity and dedication to justice, as they seem extra keen to serve influential people than to uphold the rule of regulation.
“Whereas the Home of Representatives’ choice to research this behaviour is a optimistic step, it stays to be seen whether or not significant accountability will comply with. Historic precedents counsel a danger of sweeping the difficulty below the rug as soon as public outrage subsides, which might do little to restore public belief in governance.”
Nwanguma famous that the societal implications of the incident have been dire because it “transcends the person and speaks to a tradition of impunity that have to be addressed,” imploring that justice should not solely be served for Abuwatseya but in addition the various unnamed victims of comparable abuses.
“This case should function a catalyst for change, resulting in reforms that prioritise respect for human rights and the rule of regulation in Nigeria”, he acknowledged.
