The law firm of Mr Deji Adeyanju, human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, has withdrawn its representation of Stephen Abuwatseye, an Abuja-based e-hailing cab driver.
This decision comes after Abuwatseye apologized to Alex Ikwechegh, the House of Representatives member for Aba North and South in Abia State, who had assaulted him.
The incident involving Ikwechegh and Abuwatseye sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for Ikwechegh’s removal from office.
In a viral video, Ikwechegh was seen assaulting the Bolt driver and boasting that he could make him “disappear”.
Ikwechegh later apologized for his actions, stating that his behavior fell short of the standards expected of a public official.
However, many felt that his apology was insufficient and that he should face consequences for his actions.
Abuwatseye’s decision to apologize to Ikwechegh, despite the lawmaker’s violent behavior, has been met with criticism. Some argue that it undermines the efforts to hold Ikwechegh accountable for his actions.
Newsmen had reported that Ikwechegh was granted N500,000 bail by a Chief Magistrate Court in Kuje, Abuja following arraignment by the police over the incident.
Ikwechegh faces three counts bordering on abuse of office, assault, and threat to life.
The case was filed by the office of the Inspector-General of Police while the presiding judge is His Worship, Abubakar Umar Sai’id.
Ikewechegh appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case was subsequently adjourned to November 8.
However, in a video that went viral on Thursday, Abuwatseye expressed “regret” for provoking Ikwechegh and asked Nigerians for forgiveness. He also urged everyone to move on from the incident.
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He stated, “Good day, Nigerians. My name is Stephen Abuwatseye. I had a misunderstanding with Rt. Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh a few days ago. I actually want to apologise to him for whatever I must have said or done to provoke him to that level of anger.
“I want to tell Nigerians that it’s not time for us to start dividing ourselves based on religion, tribes, or regions. We should actually come together, see how we can unite this nation, and move it forward.
“Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive and forget, as it’s even contained in our Lord’s Prayer, that ‘Lord, please forgive us, as we forgive those who trespass against us.’ For there is no justice without forgiveness. Thank you very much.”
The driver also thanked his family and well-wishers for their support over the issue, “I want to use this medium to thank my family members, my parents, my brothers, my uncles and everybody that stood by me. I want to thank all of you. I love you all. Thank you. God bless Nigeria.”
The driver’s recent public apology has forced his team of lawyers to “announce the withdrawal of our legal representation in the case involving the alleged assault of Mr Stephen Abuwatseye”.
This was announced by the firm in a press statement issued on Friday morning.
The statement said the Bolt driver walked into their office, “visibly distressed and sought redress over an alleged assault”.
The statement signed by Zainab M. Otega for the law firm, reads: “However, in view of recent developments and after careful consideration, we have made the decision to withdraw our legal representation in other to protect our professional integrity and maintain the highest ethical standard in the legal profession.
“We wish Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye the very best, while we assure the general public of our continuous commitment towards protecting the rights of the oppressed and indigent members of the society.”
