Rivers Council Administrator Resigns Amid Alleged Coercion, Political Crisis Deepens

Goodluck Ihemnacho, the council administrator of Ahoada East in Rivers State, has officially resigned his position amid growing allegations of coercion and political pressure under the current emergency administration in the state.

The resignation, dated June 20, 2025, comes just two months after Ihemnacho was appointed by the interim military administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas. In his letter, Ihemnacho stated that he was stepping down “to return to private life,” while expressing gratitude to the people of Ahoada East and the state government.

However, the letter also curiously listed his service as ending in July 2025, sparking questions about the authenticity and circumstances of the resignation.

Multiple reports suggest that Ihemnacho may not have resigned voluntarily. Anonymous sources claim he was physically assaulted and forced to sign the resignation letter at the council secretariat.

The premises have since been taken over by police forces, fueling speculation that the incident may be part of a broader campaign of intimidation.

The development comes against the backdrop of a tense political climate in Rivers State. In March 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly.

The move, which followed months of political unrest and pipeline vandalism in the region, was condemned by several civil society groups and the Nigerian Bar Association as unconstitutional.

Since the imposition of the emergency rule, interim administrator Ibas has assumed full executive powers, overseeing local governments and state affairs.

The administration has faced criticism for allegedly using heavy-handed tactics to silence dissent and consolidate control.

Ihemnacho’s resignation has fueled speculation that it may be part of a larger political strategy, possibly tied to preparations for upcoming local government elections. Observers note that removing or coercing local officials could pave the way for preferred candidates to emerge under the current transitional arrangement.

Neither the Rivers State interim administration nor the police have issued formal statements on the alleged assault or the resignation controversy.

The situation remains fluid, with stakeholders across the state calling for an investigation into the incident and the overall handling of the state under emergency rule.