The Minority Leader of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, has raised concerns that fellow lawmaker Alex Ikwechegh may face “double jeopardy” due to legal and parliamentary proceedings following an alleged assault on an e-cab driver in Abuja.
Speaking on Inside Sources, hosted by Laolu Akande on Channels Television, Chinda discussed the dual consequences Ikwechegh could face.
“Presently, he is being prosecuted. He is at the Magistrate Court. The House has also sent him to the disciplinary committee on the same issue,” Chinda said, noting the possibility of “double jeopardy” if Ikwechegh undergoes both prosecution and House discipline.
The incident, which reportedly took place in late October, sparked public outrage after a video circulated showing Ikwechegh assaulting the e-hailing driver, Stephen Abuwatseya.
The dispute began when Ikwechegh ordered snails from a vendor, who arranged for Abuwatseya to deliver the items. Upon arrival, the driver reportedly requested payment, which led to a heated exchange.
“In essence, I don’t think anybody will agree that that is a standard for parliamentarians,” Chinda remarked.
“They call us honourable members, so we should be honourable within and outside the parliament. Public office holders are like pastors and Imams, and people should look up to you in character and conduct.”
Ikwechegh, a representative of the Aba North and South Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), now faces scrutiny from both the judiciary and his colleagues in the House.
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