The Bolt driver who previously accused Hon. Alex Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives, of assault has now taken to social media to issue a public apology to the lawmaker.
This unexpected apology has stirred disappointment and skepticism among Nigerians, many of whom wonder what could have prompted the driver’s shift in stance.
The driver’s message expressed regret over what he called “provocation,” stating he was sorry for any offense he may have caused Hon. Ikwechegh and pleading with Nigerians to forgive him. His tone, conciliatory and even remorseful, suggested he wanted to make amends for the incident, which had initially cast the lawmaker in a negative light.
Watch the video below;
https://x.com/ChuksEricE/status/1854637440927252783?t=BUkXzMGwF-w1N_fBjZt9GA&s=19
For many, however, the apology raised more questions than it answered. Numerous Nigerians took to social media to voice their shock and frustration. Some speculated that the driver’s public retraction could have been influenced by financial inducements or even pressure behind the scenes, while others questioned whether he had faced intimidation to retract his initial accusation.
One Twitter user expressed skepticism, writing, “How can a victim apologize to the person he accused of assaulting him? This doesn’t add up.” Another commented, “The driver must have been offered something, or he’s being intimidated. It’s sad to see.”
Despite the apology, the initial accusation had already cast a shadow on Hon. Ikwechegh’s image.
While Hon. Ikwechegh has yet to make a public response to the apology, some observers feel the damage may have already been done.
As Nigerians continue to debate the driver’s surprising reversal, many see it as an illustration of the complex, sometimes disheartening, reality of public accountability in the country.
Read some netizens’ reactions to the surprising apology below;
@flourish007: When a victim of a crime openly defends their influential abuser, it shows that there is no limit to what our politicians are capable of. They have managed to buy his conscience and birthright.
@statesman001: Anything can happen in Nigeria…its obvious the guy has been threatened or brided to do this shit
@Gifteeafine: This is unfortunate
@oladapomickey: Money don enter
@trulydearest: The abused is apologizing to the abuser
He is paid to make this video as a damage control for Hon. Alex Ikwechegh.
Whether the driver’s apology was genuine or the result of outside factors remains unclear.
