The political landscape of Ahoada East Local Government Area (LGA) in Rivers State has been embroiled in a significant controversy following the online appearance of a resignation letter from its sole administrator, Goodluck Iheamnacho, and a viral video purportedly showing him being assaulted. The Rivers State Police Command has since launched an investigation into the matter, confirming an attack on Iheamnacho.

On Friday, June 20, 2025, a letter began circulating online, indicating Goodluck Iheamnacho’s resignation as the sole administrator of Ahoada East LGA. Dated June 20, the letter was addressed to Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Rivers sole administrator, and cited a decision to return to the private sector as the reason for his departure. This development came barely 70 days after Iheamnacho's appointment to the administrative role.

Hours after the resignation letter gained traction, a disturbing video surfaced online, showing a man strongly resembling Iheamnacho being physically beaten by several men. In the footage, the man, while seated on the ground, was repeatedly ordered to sign documents placed before him.

In subsequent interviews with Nigeria Info 92.3 FM Port Harcourt, Goodluck Iheamnacho adamantly refuted the resignation, urging the public to disregard the circulated letter. He maintained that he remains the Ahoada East LGA administrator, asserting that the letter was brought to his office by a group of hoodlums who attacked him. Iheamnacho explicitly stated, “I did not resign from my appointment as the sole administrator of Ahoada-East. I was attacked in my office, and the letter they brought was not signed by me. I know nothing about the letter.” He further clarified that any other information aired suggesting his resignation is null and void.

However, Hector Ekeakita, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Ahoada East LGA, presented a starkly contrasting account. In his own interview with Nigeria Info 92.3 FM, Ekeakita insisted that Iheamnacho was not attacked by thugs and had, in fact, resigned his position. He claimed that local youths had visited the LGA secretariat to demand accountability from Iheamnacho regarding the utilization of funds and the perceived unsanitary conditions of the LGA, alleging that staff were not coming to work and that Iheamnacho was administering from Port Harcourt. According to Ekeakita, the youths’ collective anger and pressure led Iheamnacho to express his unwillingness to continue in the role.

The Rivers State Police Command has officially intervened, releasing a statement on Sunday through its spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko. The police confirmed a violent attack on Iheamnacho's office on June 20, 2025, at approximately 1340hrs. The statement detailed that a group of around thirty hoodlums, allegedly led by Hector Ekeakita (CSO) and the Chief of Staff (CoS) to the sole administrator, stormed the council secretariat. During the assault, the hoodlums physically attacked Iheamnacho, stole his mobile phones, forcibly compelled him to sign the purported resignation letter, and absconded with both official and personal documents from his office.

The police confirmed that Iheamnacho sustained injuries during the attack and is currently receiving medical treatment, although he is reported to be in stable condition. Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, after visiting the scene with heads of other security agencies, has vehemently condemned this “reprehensible act.” CP Adepoju has directed Ekeakita, the CoS, and all other individuals implicated in the incident to report to the police state headquarters in Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, for questioning, issuing a stern warning of severe consequences for non-compliance. The Command has affirmed its resolute commitment to pursuing justice diligently in this matter.