Rivers LG Chairman Accused Of Ordering Attack On Former Media Aide
Tensions have risen in Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State, after former media aide Minnie Ogadinma accused the council chairman, Eugene Ekpelle, of ordering an assault on her. The allegation follows 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 lack of basic facilities, Ekpelle allegedly came to her residence with his younger brother and aides. She said the chairman accused her of trying to tarnish his image and instructed his brother to “teach her a lesson.” She alleged that the confrontation turned violent, with both she and her mother reportedly assaulted and a shovel brought into the altercation before neighbours intervened. Ogadinma said she sustained injuries and was relieved of her duties as media aide later that day. She insisted her only intention was to highlight the school’s condition and appeal for help. The council, through the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, dismissed the claims as “false and deliberately misleading.” According to the statement, Ekpelle visited Ogadinma’s home for a peaceful discussion, during which she became confrontational. The council maintained that the chairman was not involved in any physical altercation and challenged the public to provide evidence supporting the allegations. The council also noted that Community Secondary School falls under the Rivers State Government, not the local council, and urged residents to ignore attempts to politicize the matter. Civil society groups and rights advocates have expressed concern over the incident. A Port Harcourt-based human rights lawyer called for a thorough investigation, emphasizing that no citizen should face violence for speaking out on public infrastructure. The Director of Pilex Centre for Civic Education said Ogadinma acted within her constitutional rights, while the Director of Relief International Africa demanded the chairman’s arrest and prosecution if the allegations are verified, along with a public apology and compensation for medical expenses. The police are yet to issue an official statement, and residents of Ahoada West have called for calm as investigations continue.
