‘Teach Her a Lesson’ — Rivers LG Chairman Accused of Ordering Attack on Female Aide

Fresh controversy has hit Ahoada West Local Government Area in Rivers State following allegations of assault against the council chairman, Eugene Ekpelle.

His former media aide, Minnie Ogadinma, accused him of directing an attack on her after she posted a video on social media about the poor condition of Community Secondary School in Odioku.

The incident has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for accountability from elected officials in the state.

Ogadinma said the trouble began after she shared a video showing the dilapidated classrooms and lack of basic facilities in the school.

She explained that the post was meant to draw attention to the suffering of students and request help from concerned Nigerians.

According to her, the chairman later arrived at her residence with his younger brother and other aides.
She claimed he accused her of trying to damage his image online.

She alleged that the chairman then ordered his brother to “teach her a lesson.”

Ogadinma said the situation quickly turned violent.
She accused the chairman’s brother of forcing his way into her compound and assaulting both her and her mother.
She further alleged that a shovel was brought out during the attack and that neighbours had to intervene to stop the violence.

She stated that both she and her mother sustained injuries in the incident.
She also disclosed that she was relieved of her duties as media aide later the same day.

In her account, Ogadinma insisted that her only action was highlighting the condition of a public school and appealing for assistance.

She described the response from her former employer as shocking and intimidating.

However, the local government council has denied the allegation.

In a statement issued by the Chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, the council described the claim as false and deliberately misleading.

The statement said the chairman did not assault Ogadinma and did not instruct anyone to harm her.

According to the council, the chairman visited her residence for a peaceful discussion.
It alleged that Ogadinma became confrontational and insulted him during the encounter.

The statement added that she later fell and sustained minor injuries while being restrained by a passerby during a heated exchange.

“At no point did the Chairman engage in any physical confrontation,” the statement maintained.
It challenged those making the allegation to provide credible evidence.

The council further explained that Community Secondary School, Odioku, falls under the responsibility of the Rivers State Government and not the local government authority.

It urged the public to ignore what it described as attempts to create unnecessary political tension.

Meanwhile, civil society groups and rights advocates have reacted strongly to the matter.

A Port Harcourt-based human rights lawyer described the allegation as a serious disappointment from a public office holder and called on security agencies to investigate the claims thoroughly.

He said no citizen should be attacked for speaking out about public infrastructure.

Also speaking at a media briefing, the Director of Pilex Centre for Civic Education said Ogadinma acted within her constitutional rights by monitoring conditions in her community.

He stressed that public officials must tolerate criticism and embrace transparency.

The Director of Relief International Africa also demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the council chairman if the allegations are proven.
He called for a public apology and compensation for Ogadinma’s medical bills and displacement.

The police are yet to issue an official statement on the matter as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, residents of Ahoada West have expressed concern over the growing tension and are calling for calm while investigations continue.