Nigerian lawmaker apologizes after viral taxi slapping film

Nigerian MP Alex Ikwechegh has apologized after a video went viral of him slapping and swearing at a taxi driver who came to deliver food to his house.

“I sincerely apologize for my words and actions during this incident… As an officer, I am aware of the importance of my role and the impact my words can have on others,” said the politician, who spoke to police about the incident on Sunday evening was questioned.

Bolt driver Stephen Abuwatseya accepted the job of delivering some snails to Ikwechegh's home in the capital, Abuja, and began recording their conversation after a dispute broke out over payment.

The lawmaker had accused the driver of disrespect and slapped him in the clip.

What apparently upset the 44-year-old politician from Abia state in southeastern Nigeria was the driver's request to come outside to pick up the delivery.

“So do you think I'm giving you my money with the way you spoke to me?” he asked in the video recording.

Mr Abuwatseya replied: “I did a job for you and you have to pay me, sir.”

The deputy then called the snail seller to complain about the driver's behavior: “How can this stupid idiot come to my house and tell me to meet him in his car and pick up the snail I'm buying from.” ? “You?

“Can you imagine this rat? I can make this man disappear anywhere in Nigeria and nothing would happen.”

He then turned back to the driver and continued the argument, asking if he knew who he was and repeatedly saying, “How dare you?”

He continued, “I’m going to beat you up. I will show you that I am a big brother to you. I will beat you up, lay you down and lock you in my generator house. How dare you?”

When Mr Abuwatseya later made it clear that he was recording, the deputy told him to call the police chief.

The recording stopped when it was discovered the deputy had reached for the phone. In a later clip, the driver can be seen shirtless and claims that the politician ripped his shirt off and slapped him a total of three times.

In a statement on Monday, police said they were investigating the matter and urged people not to use the Inspector General of Police's name to “intimidate others.”

In his statement published on TuesdayIkwechegh apologized “sincerely” to the police chief and acknowledged “the unintentional derogation of my comments to his person, his office and the entire institution.”

He also apologized to the House of Representatives according to local mediahas now referred the matter to its ethics committee.

“This incident is a humbling reminder of the need for restraint and self-control, especially under difficult circumstances,” the lawmaker said.

“I am committed to using this experience as an opportunity for growth, both as a citizen and as a more compassionate representative of the people.”

Ikwechegh said he and Mr Abuwatseya “explored alternative dispute resolution methods” to resolve the issue and reached a “respectful solution”.