Fresh controversy has erupted in Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State, after former media aide Minnie Ogadinma accused Council Chairman Eugene Ekpelle of orchestrating an attack on her.
The allegation followed Ogadinma’s social media post highlighting the poor condition of Community Secondary School in Odioku.
Ogadinma claimed that after sharing a video showing dilapidated classrooms and a lack of basic facilities, Ekpelle allegedly visited her residence with his younger brother and other aides. She said the chairman accused her of tarnishing his image online and ordered his brother to “teach her a lesson.”
According to Ogadinma, the situation quickly escalated into violence. She alleged that her mother and she were assaulted, with a shovel reportedly brought out during the attack, before neighbours intervened. She said both she and her mother sustained injuries and that she was subsequently relieved of her duties as media aide the same day.
Ogadinma maintained that her only intention was to draw attention to the state of the school and appeal for public assistance, describing the council’s response as intimidating.
The Ahoada West Local Government Council, through the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, denied the allegations, calling them “false and deliberately misleading.” The council stated that Ekpelle visited Ogadinma’s residence for a peaceful discussion, alleging that she became confrontational and later sustained minor injuries while being restrained by a passerby. The statement emphasized that the chairman was not involved in any physical confrontation and challenged the public to provide credible evidence.
The council also clarified that Community Secondary School, Odioku, falls under the jurisdiction of the Rivers State Government, not the local council, and urged the public to disregard attempts to create political tension.
Civil society groups and rights advocates have condemned the alleged attack. A Port Harcourt-based human rights lawyer described the claim as a serious breach of public trust and called for thorough investigation.
The Director of Pilex Centre for Civic Education said Ogadinma acted within her constitutional rights, noting that public officials must tolerate scrutiny and criticism. The Director of Relief International Africa called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the chairman if the allegations are verified, demanding a public apology and compensation for medical expenses and displacement.
As of this report, the police have yet to issue an official statement. Residents of Ahoada West have expressed concern over rising tensions and urged calm while investigations proceed.
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The useless po-po won’t see this because of the political interest of some people