A lawmaker has apologized to a Bolt driver and the people of Nigeria after VeryDarkMan stepped in to help.

  

Lawmaker Tenders Public Apology To Bolt Driver, Nigerians After VeryDarkMan Intervened 

The image of our house is vital, and it shapes how individuals interact with the outside world. It's about how you build, run, and manage your house that influences the respect you receive, often even before you say a word. 

Over the past few hours, I have been inundated with phone calls and text messages expressing various degrees of concern about the unfortunate conduct of one of our members. Mr. Speaker, many in certain sectors are saying, "We expected this from the House of Representatives." This is not our culture, nor does it reflect our values or purpose. 

We come from diverse professional backgrounds and cultures, and many of us have invested heavily in building a reputation before joining this house. This reputation forms the collective strength of the House of Representatives as it stands today. We must all be cautious about where we go, whom we talk to, and how we interact with others. Sometimes, we must 'stoop to conquer' in order to allow peace to prevail—not just for our personal interests but for the broader interests of the institution.

We have a responsibility to Nigerians to build this institution in a way that ensures that those who come after us will have reasons to be proud of our work. Our goal is to pass on a legacy without stains. 

Regarding the recent news, we are all likely aware that our member, Honorable Mascot, had an altercation with a ride-hailing driver. It is not my role to analyze the video or the subsequent commentary. However, I must emphasize that this house will not tolerate any aberrations of conduct.

 If you look at U Order 5(e), it clearly outlines how the House should address any infractions, aberrations, or misconduct by its members. I would like to plead with my colleagues and Mr. Speaker that this matter is serious enough that it impedes our collective integrity. It attacks the conscience of the average Nigerian and undermines the image and expectations of the public regarding what we stand for as a House. We must demonstrate to the public that elected us, that we recognize this issue, and that we are genuinely pained and offended by it. While we are not judging the member involved, I urge that we send this matter to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges for a report in one week. 

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 

I rise today to briefly address the incident that took place on October 27th, 2024, involving myself and a citizen, Mr. Steven Abua, an E-hailing driver. What began as a misunderstanding regrettably escalated into actions and remarks that do not reflect the values I hold dear. As the Chairman of the CBN and a member of this esteemed House, I deeply regret my words and actions that occurred in the heat of the moment. I take full responsibility for how this exchange has impacted Mr. Abua, his family, and the general public. 

I acknowledge that I am human and thus fallible. Recognizing the significance of my role as a public servant, I am mindful of the weight my words and actions carry and how they may affect those I represent. Since the incident, Mr. Abua and I have engaged in alternative dispute resolution methods, and I am pleased to inform this honorable House that we have reached a respectful and constructive resolution. 

Additionally, I extend my sincere apologies to the leadership of the House, my honorable colleagues, and the entire National Assembly for any deficit of goodwill that this incident may have caused. I am aware that my actions reflect not only on myself but also on this esteemed institution and the trust the public places in us. This experience has served as a humbling reminder of the need for restraint and self-control, especially in challenging situations. 

Mr. Speaker and honorable colleagues, I want to emphasize that I am human. Despite any provocation, there should never be a reason for me to react in such a manner. I appeal to all Nigerians to let this incident remain in the past and let us move forward together. 

Thank you once again for giving me the opportunity to tender this apology, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.