When power, bestowed as a public trust, is wielded irresponsibly, it does more than betray the immediate victim—it betrays everyone. Power abuse became a hot topic on social media after a video of Alex Ikwechegh assaulting a Bolt driver surfaced online. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh who is a member of the House of Representatives, for Aba North and South Federal Constituency (APGA) has been arrested following his alleged assault on a cab driver.
A now-viral video, recorded by the driver, captured the moment the House of Representatives member slapped and insulted the driver multiple times after the driver asked for his delivery fee.
The video also shows Ikwechegha, questioning if the driver understood his status, and expressed offense at the driver’s request for him to step out of his vehicle to collect the delivered snails, deeming it disrespectful to his social standing.
While a troubling incident on its own, this episode speaks volumes about the corrupting potential of unchecked authority, a reality that cuts across all levels of public office. In the wake of this event, one must reflect not only on Ikwechegh’s actions but on the broader cultural and systemic issues that allow such behavior to go unchecked until it erupts into public view.
Power, at its worst, fosters a dangerous entitlement, leading some officials to act as if they are immune to the same consequences that the average citizen faces. This is evident in the statements made by the lawmaker. He was captured saying: “Can you imagine this rat? I can make this man to disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing would happen.”
Ikwechegh’s actions are hardly unique; the pattern of high-ranking officials asserting their dominance at the expense of others has been seen repeatedly. Yet, each incident like this one forces us to confront the damaging culture of impunity among those who believe themselves untouchable by virtue of their office.
For everyday Nigerians, such events chip away at the foundation of trust they hope to build with their leaders. Witnessing a lawmaker, someone they may have once trusted or voted for, involved in an assault scandal feels personal and violating.
Social media, unsurprisingly, erupted in response to Ikwechegha’s arrest, with countless users expressing their shock and disappointment at how casually someone in his position could abuse their authority.
Many people view this as a blatant case of bullying and abuse, one that resonates on a deeper level due to the already difficult lives that everyday citizens lead. Such incidents amplify feelings of helplessness among the populace, who often feel silenced or overshadowed by officials who treat them as less than deserving of respect.
However, in this day and age, social media has become a powerful equalizer, leveling the playing field between officials and their constituents. Unlike in years past, when such incidents may have been brushed aside, social media offers a voice for the public to demand justice and accountability.
In Ikwechegh’s case, social media became an amplifier for public outcry, turning what might have been another buried story into a trending issue that demanded an official response. Users, influencers, and activists alike called for Ikwechegh’s arrest, and their collective voice contributed to the rapid response we see today. This case is a testament to the importance of public awareness in ensuring that even those in positions of power are held to account.
The swift response to the public’s demands is a positive step, but it should not end here. This moment should be a catalyst for serious reform in how Nigerian leaders wield their authority and how the public holds them accountable.
For every high-profile case like Ikwechegh’s, countless others never see the light of day, hidden beneath layers of bureaucracy and privilege. Ethical standards, including training on abuse of power, respect for citizens, and transparent accountability measures, should be ingrained into every level of governance.
The arrest of Alex Mascot Ikwechegh is more than just a response to public demand; it is a message to leaders and citizens alike. The lawmaker has now issued a public apology and has promised to cooperate with authorities for further investigation.
This case is a litmus test for change, a signal that the public will no longer tolerate the abuse of power that has plagued Nigeria’s political landscape for too long. The people have made their voices heard. Now, it’s up to the leaders to listen and act accordingly, ensuring that this is not merely an isolated incident but a turning point toward a more accountable and respectful governance.
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