Assault: Reps refer Ikwechegh to Ethics C’ttee, say remorse not enough

The House of Representatives has referred the member representing Aba South/Aba North Federal Constituency, Abia State, Alex Ikwechegh to its Ethics and Privileges Committee, for further legislative action.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion of privilege moved by the House Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere during Tuesday’s plenary session.

Ihonvbere notified the House that Ikwechegh, caught on a video on Sunday, assaulting an Uber driver and threatening to make him disappear without consequences, brought the Green Chamber into ridicule by his conduct.

Although a remorseful Ikwechegh apologised to his colleagues on the floor saying, “I’m sorry,” he was referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu who presided over the plenary session in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

“We are guided by our rules. Our rule is that if the dignity of the parliament is ridiculed, we investigate through the eyes of justice.

“It is not good for us to judge. Ikwechegh’s appeal was very emotional, touching, and remorseful. But that is not enough. Our rules must be complied with.

“He will go and sit with the Ethics and Privileges Committee for him to be heard,” Kalu ruled.