A member of the House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh, humorously remarked that a past altercation with a Bolt driver in Abuja last October has earned him the title of “the man who makes things disappear.” He shared this during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North & South Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), reflected on the incident that went viral on social media. The video, which showed him assaulting a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, sparked widespread outrage. However, the lawmaker noted that the episode has since been resolved, and he has built a friendship with the driver.

“What happened was unfortunate, but I used it as an opportunity to build a relationship with the young man. Today, we are friends. The matter was taken to court, but it was struck out for lack of merit,” Ikwechegh said.

Addressing the video, he added, “The part of the video everyone saw was just one side of the story. People don’t know what happened before that. Like they say, actions pre-empt reactions. That moment does not reflect who I truly am. I’ve been in public life for years without any scandal. I’ve moved on, and so has Stephen. We’re close now, and I’ve even gotten to know his pastor and other friends. Nigerians now jokingly call me ‘the man who makes things disappear.’ It’s all in the past.

The controversy began in October 2024 when a video surfaced of Ikwechegh confronting and slapping Abuwatseya at his Abuja residence. According to reports, the lawmaker had ordered snails from a vendor, who hired Abuwatseya through a ride-hailing service to deliver the goods.

A disagreement ensued when Abuwatseya arrived and asked to be paid. Ikwechegh reportedly took offense, accusing the driver of disrespect for not stepping out of his car to deliver the goods. The lawmaker slapped the driver multiple times, stating, “I can make this man disappear in the whole of Nigeria, and nothing will happen.”

Public outrage followed, leading to the police arresting Ikwechegh. He later apologized to the Inspector General of Police and the driver. The case was resolved out of court, with compensation paid to the victim.

Despite the uproar, Ikwechegh now considers the episode a closed chapter, emphasizing his efforts to mend relationships and learn from the experience.