Nigerians’ reaction when Lawmaker break the law

When we hear the phrase “caught on the wrong side of the law,” we often imagine a division between two sides: a wrong side populated by criminals and those who violate societal norms, and a right side filled with law-abiding, model citizens. Among the latter, we might expect to find lawmakers, the individuals entrusted with creating and upholding the laws by which society operates. But what happens when those trusted to make laws are themselves found on the wrong side? 

This question has been on the minds of many Nigerians since a video surfaced online showing an altercation between a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseye, and a National Assembly member, Hon. Alex Ikwechegh happened few weeks ago.  In the video, Abuwatseye accuses Hon. Ikwechegh, to whom he was delivering, of being disrespectful and lacking courtesy. The lawmaker responds with threats, insults, and physical aggression, even claiming he could “make him disappear” without facing consequences, regardless of any report to the Inspector General of Police. 

The video sparked a mix of reactions on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with some Nigerians expressing anger and disappointment while others questioned whether the driver had disrespected a high-ranking official. This incident raises an important question: Why, even amid widespread shock, do few Nigerians seem genuinely surprised? 

For many Nigerians, the incident echoes a familiar pattern of impunity among political elites, a reality many have experienced firsthand. This public incident calls to mind the 2019 viral video of former Senator Elisha Abbo, who was seen assaulting a shop attendant. Though charges were filed, they were later dismissed, reflecting a common outcome in similar cases. 

Unfortunately, these high-profile cases are only the tip of the iceberg. For most Nigerians, encounters with authoritarian behavior—what late musician Fẹlá Kuti termed “power show”—are common in everyday interactions with officials, security guards, and others wielding minor authority. 

This “power show” culture is at odds with Nigerian law. Section 34(1a) of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen respect and dignity, protecting them from inhumane or degrading treatment. Hon. Ikwechegh’s language and behavior in the video were both degrading and dismissive, betraying the very laws he is sworn to uphold. Yet, without consequences, the lure of impunity can overshadow any respect for legal duty. 

Days after the incident, the initial public outrage has begun to subside, with some shifting attention to other issues. However, there are critical lessons to remember. The National Assembly, for example, must prioritize accountability for its members when they fail to uphold the law. As the House Majority Leader acknowledged, Hon. Ikwechegh’s behavior “dented the image” of the House. Although he was asked to appear before the House Ethics Committee and made a half-hearted apology, he directed it to the public rather than his victim, urging Nigerians to “move forward.” But without genuine accountability, moving forward becomes a challenge in a nation where lawmakers act with open disregard for the law. 

There is, however, a promising development: police acted swiftly, arraigning Hon. Ikwechegh before the Kuje Magistrate Court in Abuja, charging him with assault, abuse of office, and threat to life. The rapid police response shows the power of public advocacy and the influence of online platforms in holding public officials accountable, even if only temporarily. 

Addressing the broader culture of “power show,” especially among those in authority, requires more than just isolated cases of accountability. A conviction or meaningful sentencing for Hon. Ikwechegh, along with a precedent of removing officials who act similarly, could signal a meaningful shift, creating a culture in which respect for the law prevails.