Change in Leadership or Change in Behavior? The Case of MP Alex Ikwechegh's Abuse of Power in Nigeria**

The viral incident involving MP Alex Ikwechegh slapping a taxi driver reveals that despite recent efforts to elevate younger political leaders in Nigeria, the culture of intimidation and entitlement may persist. His actions provoke debate on whether a genuine generational change is occurring or if new leaders are merely replicating the oppressive behaviors of their predecessors.**

Nigerian politician Alex Ikwechegh's recent altercation with a taxi driver has ignited public outrage and led to questions about the potential for genuine change among the country's younger political leaders. The incident, which was captured on video, depicted Ikwechegh verbally abusing and physically assaulting the driver who was delivering food to his residence. His intimidation included phrases like, "Do you know who I am?... I can make you disappear in this whole country, and nothing will happen," showcasing a disconcerting attitude towards those he perceives as beneath him.

Ikwechegh, a member of the opposition All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) representing the town of Aba in the House of Representatives, made headlines for his conduct, which starkly contrasts the image of a younger, progressive generation of leaders that many Nigerians hoped for. This incident has reignited conversations about the ingrained culture of power abuse and the troubling legacy left by previous generations of politicians, who often intimidate ordinary citizens with their perceived authority.

The "Not Too Young to Run" initiative, launched to encourage greater youth participation in Nigerian politics, had sparked hope among a populace where 70% are under 35. By lowering age limits for political candidacy in 2018, this campaign aimed to empower younger citizens to bring new ideas and energy into the political arena. However, with 42-year-old Ikwechegh's behavior starkly mirroring that of older officials, many begin to question whether younger leaders are poised to break the cycle of entitlement or if they merely seek to inherit the established power structures.

This is not an isolated incident. A couple of years prior, Elisha Abbo, Nigeria's then-youngest senator, faced backlash after a similar public display of hostility, where he was filmed hitting a shop attendant whom he accused of disrespect. Despite his eventual apology and loss of a subsequent election, the incident highlighted the deeply entrenched culture of abuse of power that continues to plague Nigeria.

The ongoing fallout from Ikwechegh's actions has led the House of Representatives to refer him to its Ethics and Privileges Committee, and he is currently facing court charges that include threats, assault, and abuse of public office. This response underscores a critical acknowledgment of the need for accountability within the political sphere.

Nigerians are left pondering whether younger politicians, rather than heralding a fresh start, are simply adopting the methods of their predecessors, perpetuating a relentlessly hierarchical and often abusive political culture. As the incident serves as a harsh reminder of the challenges remaining in the quest for equitable governance, the contradiction lays bare the complex reality of leadership and privilege in Nigeria. The hope for transformation may demand more than just a change in age within political roles; it may require a cultural shift that addresses entitlement and abuse at its core.