Controversy has surrounded the reported resignation of Goodluck Ihemnacho, the Administrator of the Ahoada East Local Government Area in Rivers State, following the emergence of a troubling video that has cast doubt on his resignation.
In the resignation letter directed to the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), Ihemnacho was quoted as expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to serve.
“I respectfully write to your esteemed office to inform you of my resignation as the Administrator of Ahoada East LGA… I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the government of Rivers State and the wonderful people of Ahoada East for deeming me worthy to serve… from the 11th of April 2025 to the 20th of July 2025,” the letter stated in part.
However, on Saturday evening, a video emerged online depicting a man identified as Ihemnacho being violently assaulted by a group of unidentified individuals.
In the footage, he was seen sitting on the ground, visibly upset, as he was repeatedly struck with canes while off-camera voices urged him to “sign that thing” and “put your signature”.
Two documents, presumed to be resignation letters, were observed on a chair in front of him, and he seemed to be holding a pen.
A second individual, later recognized as the council secretary, Mr. Alabi Umegbewe, was also forcibly brought into the room and attacked.
The authenticity of the video has not been officially challenged, and while the reasons behind the assault remain unclear, sources suggest it may be related to the upcoming local government elections.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the absence of the two mobile police officers assigned to the council administrator.
A source indicated that both officers were away “eating” at the time of the incident, prompting further inquiries into potential complicity or negligence.
As of the time of this report, no official statement has been released by the police or the Rivers State Government concerning the incident.
Ihemnacho was unavailable for comments as his mobile phone.
