Rivers State Police Allege Local Government Officials Led Assault on Ahoada East Sole Administrator

The Rivers State Police Command has accused key officials of Ahoada East Local Government Area of orchestrating an attack on the council’s sole administrator, Goodluck Iheamnacho, on Friday.

According to a statement released on Sunday by the spokesperson of the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the LGA, Hector Ekakita, along with the council’s Chief of Staff (COS), allegedly led about 30 individuals in storming the local government secretariat and physically attacking the administrator.

The statement revealed that during the incident, the mob reportedly assaulted Iheamnacho, forcefully took his mobile phones, coerced him into signing a resignation letter, and made away with several sensitive items. These included both official and personal documents from his office.

The police confirmed that Iheamnacho is currently undergoing medical treatment as a result of the injuries sustained during the assault. His condition has been reported as stable.

Condemning the attack, the command assured the public that a thorough investigation had commenced and that necessary enforcement procedures were already in motion.

Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga A. Adepoju, also visited the scene of the incident alongside heads of other security agencies in the state. He instructed Hector Ekakita, the COS, and every individual identified in connection with the attack to present themselves at the State Police Headquarters for interrogation.

The CP cautioned that any failure to comply with this directive would lead to grave repercussions. He reaffirmed the command’s resolve to ensure justice is served and reiterated its commitment to upholding peace and order across Rivers State.

Commissioner Adepoju also called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, stressing the importance of public collaboration in preserving law and order.

The controversy took root on Friday after a resignation letter attributed to Iheamnacho went viral on social media platforms. However, the administrator refuted the letter, stating categorically that it was fabricated and did not originate from him.

Iheanacho explained that the alleged attackers were youths from the local government area who stormed the secretariat. While some of them justified their actions with allegations of financial misappropriation, others reportedly claimed that the sole administrator was unwilling to share LGA funds with certain individuals who purportedly played a role in his appointment.

Currently, all local government areas in Rivers State are being run by administrators appointed by the state government under the supervision of retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who acts as the Sole Administrator. This interim arrangement was implemented following the declaration of emergency governance in the state.

Reports suggest that many of these LGA administrators are perceived as loyal supporters of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, further fueling political tensions within the state.