Hon. Eugene Ekpelle, the Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, is currently facing serious allegations of assault from his former media aide, Minnie Ogadinma. Ogadinma claims that Chairman Ekpelle ordered his brother, Monday Cheta, to physically attack her, alleging that the directive stemmed from her attempt to 'tarnish his image' through a social media post. This incident, as reported by DAILY POST, has brought to light a contentious dispute between the council chairman and his former staff member.

According to Ogadinma's detailed account, the conflict began after she posted a video on social media highlighting the deplorable condition of Community Secondary School in Odioku. In her post, she tagged 'VeryDarkMan,' seeking assistance for the renovation of the school, which she observed lacked chairs and a proper roof. She alleges that on a Sunday evening, following her video, Chairman Ekpelle visited her residence accompanied by his younger brother, Monday Cheta, a security man, and a driver. Upon arrival, the Chairman reportedly accused her of attempting to damage his reputation online.

Ogadinma further claims that Chairman Ekpelle then instructed his brother, Monday Cheta, to 'teach her a lesson,' using the exact words, 'Go and teach this small girl a lesson.' She recounted that Cheta subsequently pushed down her gate and assaulted her mother, causing an injury to her mother's lips, which had recently been stitched from a previous accident. As her mother began to bleed, Ogadinma states she ran into her compound, but Cheta pursued her and continued the assault. She specifically alleged that the Chairman encouraged the attack, saying Cheta 'should kill me,' and that Cheta attempted to strike her with a shovel before neighbors intervened to bring the situation under control. Ogadinma and her mother reportedly sustained injuries, and she was summarily relieved of her duties as a media aide on the very same Sunday. She also quoted the Chairman as allegedly saying, 'even if I should die, that nothing would happen to him, that nobody would do anything to him.'

In stark contrast, Chairman Ekpelle has vehemently denied all allegations. A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dennis Ezeuwa Lot, described Ogadinma's claims as 'false, malicious, and deliberately distorted.' The council maintained that the Chairman neither assaulted nor directed anyone to assault Ogadinma. The statement asserted that the Chairman's visit to Ogadinma's residence was intended for a peaceful engagement. It further alleged that Ogadinma confronted the Chairman with insults and subsequently fell, sustaining minor injuries, while being restrained by a passerby during a heated exchange. The council explicitly stated, 'At no point did the Chairman engage in any physical confrontation,' and challenged those promoting the allegations to provide verifiable evidence.

Adding another layer to the controversy, the council clarified that matters concerning Community Secondary School, Odiokwu, fall under the purview of the Rivers State Government, not the local government. This point was raised in an attempt to deflect criticism regarding the school's condition and to urge the public to disregard what it termed as attempts to create political tension.

The incident has drawn significant reactions from public figures and human rights advocates. Chetam Nwala, a Port Harcourt-based human rights lawyer, condemned the alleged actions, labeling them as 'a serious disappointment from a public leader' and called upon security agencies to ensure that justice is served. Similarly, Courage Nsirimovu, the Director of Pilex Centre for Civic Education, stated at a media briefing that Ogadinma 'acted within her constitutional rights as a Nigerian citizen to monitor public projects in her community.' Furthermore, Green Isaac, the Director of Relief International Africa, demanded the 'immediate arrest and prosecution of the council chairman,' along with a public apology and compensation for medical expenses and displacement incurred by Ogadinma.

The divergent accounts of the events, coupled with strong reactions from civil society, underscore the gravity of the allegations. Calls for a thorough investigation by security agencies remain central to resolving the truth behind the alleged assault and ensuring accountability.