Power Abuse in Africa: Nigerian MP’s attack on driver highlights Persistent Problem

The recent assault of a food delivery driver by Nigerian MP Alex Ikwechegh has reignited debate about the abuse of power by public officials across Africa, where incidents of high-ranking officials mistreating ordinary citizens continue to make headlines.

In a viral video, Ikwechegh was captured slapping and threatening a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, who had delivered snails to his Abuja residence.

The MP’s threat to make the driver « disappear in the whole of Nigeria » exemplifies a troubling pattern of intimidation tactics used by some African officials who believe their position places them above the law.

« I can make this man disappear… and nothing would happen, » Ikwechegh said in the recording, highlighting the impunity that often accompanies such abuse of power.

This incident mirrors similar cases across the continent, where public servants have been caught on camera assaulting citizens, misusing police authority, or threatening violence against those they perceive as subordinate.

The proliferation of smartphone cameras and social media has increasingly exposed such behavior, leading to public outcry and calls for accountability.

While Ikwechegh has since apologized and reached a « respectful resolution » with the driver, critics argue that such incidents reflect deeper systemic issues in African governance, where the gap between public servants and ordinary citizens often manifests in displays of autocratic behavior.

The House of Representatives’ referral of the matter to its ethics committee signals growing institutional response to such misconduct.

However, activists argue that more systematic reforms are needed to address the culture of impunity among public officials and ensure equal treatment under the law for all citizens, regardless of their social or political status.