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I’m Now Known As The Man Who Makes Things Disappear – Abia Lawmaker
Alex Ikwechegh, a House of Representatives member representing Aba North/South in Abia State, has addressed the viral altercation he had with e-hailing driver Stephen Abuwatseya in October 2024, playfully noting that the incident significantly raised his profile across Nigeria.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Ikwechegh, who was seen in a viral video assaulting Abuwatseya outside his Maitama residence, remarked that the altercation, which occurred during a dispute over a package delivery, has earned him the tongue-in-cheek title of “the man that makes things disappear.”
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Ikwechegh described the incident as unfortunate, but one that ultimately helped him build a positive relationship with the driver.
“What happened was quite unfortunate but I take it as an avenue for me as a person to also build a relationship with the young man. Today, we are friends,” he said.
The lawmaker also addressed the video that captured the assault, in which he was seen slapping and insulting the driver.
He explained that the public only saw the aftermath, missing the events that led to the confrontation.
“The video that everybody saw was a low moment. I felt the sanctity of my home was being desecrated. The part of the video where you people saw was the part that people saw; people do not know what happened before that reaction. Like they say, actions pre-empt reactions.”
Ikwechegh, who has maintained a scandal-free reputation in his long public career, insisted that the viral video was not indicative of his character.
“But whatever anybody has seen is not indicative of who I am. I’ve been in the public space for a very long time and there has never been any scandal about me,” he remarked.
Despite the controversy, Ikwechegh stated that he has moved past the incident, even forming close ties with Abuwatseya and his pastor. “The young man is my friend now and I am very close to his bishop, his pastor, and I’ve made a bunch of new friends.”
The incident, which initially led to Ikwechegh being charged with abuse of office, assault, and threat to life, was eventually resolved through the legal system.
Ikwechegh was arraigned at a Kuje Magistrates’ Court, where he was granted ₦500,000 bail. However, the case was struck out after the court found no merit in the charges.
Ikwechegh admitted that his behavior during the altercation fell short of expectations for a public official, and he publicly apologized for his actions.
In an Instagram post, he apologized to Abuwatseya, the Nigerian Police Force, and the National Assembly, admitting that his response to the situation was inappropriate, regardless of the provocation.
In a surprising turn of events, Abuwatseya later issued a public apology, acknowledging his role in provoking the altercation and asking for forgiveness from Ikwechegh and the Nigerian public.
With the matter now behind them, Ikwechegh reflected on the unexpected outcome of the incident, noting that while it began as a controversial moment, it has helped him form new friendships and, in a lighter vein, increased his visibility across the nation.
Former Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Yobe State, promising to tackle insecurity and rebuild the state’s economy.
In a statement released Tuesday following a consultation meeting in the state, the retired police chief said his ambition is driven by a desire to restore peace, strengthen institutions, and accelerate development across all sectors.
Alkali pledged to “wipe out insurgency” and revive economic activities disrupted by years of insecurity, noting that his administration would prioritise intelligence-driven security and community partnerships.
“My vision for Yobe State is clear. I want a state where security is strengthened through intelligence and community partnership. I want a state where farmers can return to their farms with confidence, traders can move freely, and children can go to school without fear,” he said.
The former police boss emphasised his experience in national security management, stating that his years in public service have equipped him with the discipline and strategic thinking needed to govern effectively.
According to him, Yobe State requires leadership that understands security, institutional coordination, and human development, adding that insecurity has significantly hindered growth and deepened poverty in the region.
He also outlined plans to boost agriculture, expand infrastructure, and invest in education and youth empowerment. Alkali promised to provide microcredit support for women and equip young people with technical skills and startup kits to drive commerce and industry.
On healthcare, he pledged to combat child-killer diseases, including polio, and introduce free maternal healthcare services, as well as free medical care for children aged zero to five.
“Mothers will not die during childbirth, and children will live and thrive. They will go to school and graduate in a safe and secure environment,” he assured.
Alkali further stated that his administration would focus on inclusive governance, ensuring development reaches all local government areas without discrimination.
While expressing readiness to build on the achievements of the current administration, he maintained that governance must go beyond rhetoric and propaganda, stressing that it requires “vision, action, and the courage to make tough decisions.”
Bayern Munich have made a strong statement over the future of winger Michael Olise, with Vice-President Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insisting the club would reject even a €200 million offer for the player.
The comments, reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Monday, highlight Bayern’s long-standing policy of prioritising sporting stability over financial gain.
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Rummenigge explained that the club’s position is rooted in a historic decision made in 2009, when Bayern received a massive bid from Chelsea for Franck Ribéry.
After internal discussions involving then CFO Karl Hopfner and former president Uli Hoeneß, the club chose to reject the offer — a decision that shaped its modern transfer philosophy.
According to him, that principle remains unchanged today.
He stressed that Bayern do not consider selling players who are essential to the team, adding that even a record-breaking €200 million bid would not change their stance on Olise.
The statement is expected to fuel further transfer speculation across Europe, but Bayern officials maintain that Olise is a key part of their long-term sporting project and not for sale.
Bayern Munich continue to uphold their “untouchable players” policy, while Michael Olise remains central to their squad plans.
The Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) has defended its position following the controversial ruling by the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board over the disputed 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Moroccan football authority said its appeal was strictly aimed at ensuring the proper application of competition rules, and not to question the sporting merit or performance of any team involved in the final.
The federation emphasized its commitment to fairness, transparency, and the stability of African football competitions, noting that its actions were guided by respect for established regulations.
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“The Federation reiterates that its approach has always been grounded in respect for the rules and stability of African competitions,” the statement read.
FRMF also praised all participating nations in the tournament, describing the 2025 AFCON as a significant milestone in the growth and development of football across the continent.
However, the body revealed that a more detailed position would be made public after a scheduled meeting of its governing organs.
The statement is expected to further clarify Morocco’s stance and outline any possible legal or administrative steps moving forward.
The CAF Appeal Board’s decision has continued to generate widespread reactions among football stakeholders, with growing calls for clearer regulations, improved transparency, and consistency in the administration of African football.
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