Alex Ikwechegh's aggressive behavior towards a taxi driver has sparked outrage and raised questions about whether Nigeria's younger political generation can truly reform abuse of power, perpetuating a troubling cycle.
New Generational Leaders Fail to Break Cycle of Power Abuse in Nigeria
New Generational Leaders Fail to Break Cycle of Power Abuse in Nigeria
Recent incidents involving young Nigerian politicians illustrate that mere age does not guarantee a departure from entrenched patterns of entitlement and power misuse.
In an unsettling incident that has reignited debates about power dynamics in Nigeria, young politician Alex Ikwechegh was filmed slapping a food delivery taxi driver while verbally berating him, declaring, "Do you know who I am?... I can make you disappear in this whole country, and nothing will happen." The video quickly went viral, prompting widespread outrage across Nigeria and compelling Ikwechegh, a member of the opposition All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) representing Aba in the House of Representatives, to issue a public apology.
The conflict reportedly arose when the driver requested that Ikwechegh come outside to collect the food, instead of allowing him in the house. Observers noted that his threats echoed a disturbing culture among influential figures in Nigeria, who often intimidate ordinary citizens with phrases like, "Do you know who I am?" These displays of entitlement are further reinforced by the use of police escorts and massive convoys that politicians deploy when traveling, often disregarding normal traffic laws.
Ikwechegh's actions are particularly disheartening, given that he belongs to a younger generation of leadership. The "Not Too Young to Run" campaign aimed to inspire increased youth engagement in politics, resulting in reduced age limits for politicians and a significant rise in young candidates. The hope was that younger leaders would usher in a new era of innovation and ethics in governance, particularly with Nigeria's median age resting at only 18.
However, Ikwechegh's behavior is reminiscent of the old generation of politicians, raising critical questions about whether younger leaders are merely poised to inherit systemic problems rather than dismantling them. This theme was echoed in a previously reported incident involving Elisha Abbo, Nigeria's youngest senator, who faced backlash in 2021 for slapping a shop attendant after accusing her of disrespect.
Such episodes evoke memories of schoolyard dynamics, where incoming seniors fantasize about exerting power over juniors, only to find themselves ensnared by institutional rules against bullying. The evolution typically lacks genuine reform, prompting fears that the same cycle is manifesting in Nigeria's political landscape. The alarming reality is that a 42-year-old lawmaker could display such behavior publicly without hesitation, suggesting that his cohort may be more interested in perpetuating privilege rather than fostering accountability.
Concerningly, Ikwechegh has since been referred to the House of Representatives' Ethics and Privileges Committee and is facing legal charges for threats, assault, and public service abuse. This case serves as a sobering reminder that the deep-seated culture of entitlement may not be easily uprooted through generational change alone.
