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Poverty Is A Curse! Nigerians Speak On Bolt Driver’s Apology To ‘Slapping Lawmaker’

Published

2 months ago

November 8, 2024

This development has set the social media on fire, with the trending word “Apology” reflecting widespread criticism and analysis from Nigerians, many of whom attribute the bolt driver’s actions to poverty.

GWG.ng reports that the incident began on October 27, when the driver arrived at Ikwechegh’s residence in Maitama, Abuja, to deliver a package. Upon arrival, he spotted Ikwechegh outside and asked if he was the intended recipient. According to reports, Ikwechegh initially ignored the driver’s inquiry, and the driver then called the contact number on the order, only for Ikwechegh’s phone to ring. The lawmaker allegedly reacted with anger, ordering the driver to bring the package inside. When the driver refused, insisting that Ikwechegh come to collect the delivery, a heated exchange ensued.

The video posted on social media by the bolt driver reveals as the altercation escalated how Ikwechegh slapped the driver three times, smashed his phone, and tore his shirt. He reportedly threatened to make the driver “disappear” due to his connections and subsequently had him arrested, with the driver’s vehicle temporarily seized by police. Social media activist VeryDarkMan became involved in the case, petitioning the police on behalf of the driver, leading to Ikwechegh’s eventual court appearance, where he was granted bail set at 500,000 Naira.

No Shame As Bolt Driver Assaulted By Lawmaker Apologises (Video)

After public interest in the case seemed to wane a viral video surfaced showing the bolt driver apologizing to Ikwechegh and even offering prayers for the lawmaker. The video left many Nigerians shocked and frustrated. Online reactions were swift, with many netizens attributing the bolt driver’s apology to Nigeria’s worsening poverty levels, speculating that he may have been financially induced or intimidated into this decision.

“Poverty will make you go back to your abuser and apologize,” read one comment, a sentiment echoed by others who believe that economic desperation likely influenced the driver’s change of stance. The notion that the driver may have received a financial settlement as part of an agreement to apologize publicly has also fueled discussion.

VeryDarkMan, who had championed the case, expressed disappointment over the apology, describing it as a setback to accountability and justice for average Nigerians. Despite his criticism, he pledged to continue pursuing justice for the driver.

In a country where economic hardship has driven citizens to make difficult compromises, the Bolt driver’s apology is seen by many as emblematic of the challenges Nigerians face when seeking justice.

Read some netizens’ reactions as they believed the apology was born out of poverty;

@theogbeniOpa: Poverty is worse than whatever we may think of it.

@thelawrenz: Them slap you, them abuse you… and people dey fight for you but you later go apologize to the person wey dey oppress you.

Fuck poverty!!!

@ken: Poverty is the deadly thing that can ever happen to any human being alive

work hard no joke.

@annwodah: – do not trust the humility of a poor man