Tensions escalated in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State on Friday, as a disturbing video surfaced on social media showing the Sole Administrator, Goodluck Iheamnacho, being physically assaulted by local youths amid accusations of corruption and political bias.
In the video, obtained, Iheamnacho is seen being beaten with sticks and coerced into signing what appeared to be a resignation letter. Council Secretary, Alabi Umegbewe, was also visibly attacked during the altercation.
The letter, dated 20 June 2025 and widely circulated online, purportedly confirms Iheamnacho’s resignation. However, Iheamnacho has publicly denied authoring the letter, calling it a fabrication and claiming he was attacked at the council premises by youths from the community.
In a statement released on Saturday, he insisted: “The resignation letter being shared on social media was not written by me. I was attacked and forced under duress.”
Chief Security Officer of Ahoada East LGA, Hector Ekaikita, confirmed that a confrontation broke out at the council premises on Friday. According to Ekaikita, the altercation stemmed from accusations levelled against Iheamnacho, including alleged financial mismanagement and perceived allegiance to the Simplified Movement — a political faction loyal to suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“The youths confronted him over a meeting with the Simplified Group and allegations of extravagant spending,” Ekaikita said in a media interview.
“They cited claims that he had purchased properties worth N300 million and a luxury car valued at over N60 million.”
Ekaikita described how the argument escalated into a physical struggle: “They exchanged words. The administrator pushed one of the youths, and they retaliated. That’s when things got out of hand.”
He also alleged that Iheamnacho voluntarily agreed to resign amid the standoff, stating: “He said he didn’t want the position anymore. The youths prepared a letter, and he signed it without force.”
However, the viral video contradicts this account, showing visible signs of intimidation during the signing.
The crisis is unfolding against a politically charged backdrop, with all 23 LGA sole administrators in Rivers State reportedly aligned with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike — a rival of Governor Fubara.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the clash may also be tied to a dispute over the sharing of local government funds, with allegations that Iheamnacho withheld financial resources from political allies who backed his appointment.
As of press time, no arrests have been made, and there is growing public concern over the deteriorating security and political tension in Rivers State’s local councils.
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