CSO Clears Rivers LG Boss In Aide Clash

A civil society organisation, the Defence For Human Rights And Democracy (DHRD), has cleared the Chairman of Ahoada-West Local Government Area, Hon. Eugene Epelle, of Rivers State of any blame in this recent face-off between him and one of his social media aides, Minnie Ogadinma.

Ogadimma had recently accused Epelle of invading their home at Odiokwu Community in the same LGA, along with his political thugs and attacking her after she posted the deplorable condition of a secondary school in the community.

Hee cries, which went viral on social media and other traditional media platforms attracted the attention of human rights activists within and outside the state.

But, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, DHRD accused the girl of allowing herself to be used by political opponents of the council chairman, Epelle.

The statement, which was signed by group’s chairman, Christopher Solomon, called on the Rivers State government to conduct a full investigation into the destruction of a section of Odiokwu Secondary School by some individuals.

It reads in part, “Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State has been in the news lately. The focus of the attention is on the alleged assault on one Minnie Ogadinma , a media aide to the Chairman of the LGA, Hon. Eugene Epelle.

“Minnie Ogadinma had alleged that her boss the council chairman had assaulted her. As is usual with the Nigerian social media crowd , they went into a frenzy. They arraigned, judged and passed a verdict without hearing from the chairman or conducting an independent interrogation of what actually transpired and it’s undercurrents.

“It is equally important to note that the Odiokwu Community Secondary School has been nominated for renovation by the member of House of Representatives, representing Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbena-Ndoni LGAs, as past of his Constituency Projects, when he visited the school in 2024.

“The renovation was delayed due to a shortfall in Capital Allocation, in the year 2025.

“Also the Nigerian Delta Development Commission (NDDC), recently adopted Odiokwu Community Secondary School for remodeling and extensive renovations, including students hostels, laboratories etc, which project is to commence soon.

“In their bid to ridicule and shame the Ahoada West LGA chairman , Minnie Ogadinma and her political paymasters ended up maliciously destroying government property.

“It is hoped that the Rivers State government will launch a full investigation into the destruction of government property by these meddlesome interlopers and prosecute anyone found culpable, as a way of sending a clear warning, that no one has the right to tamper, alter or damage public property without the necessary authorization, no matter how well intentioned. .”