The chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Hon Eugene Epelle Cheta and some of his aides have allegedly assaulted a female media aides, for complaining about the poor state of the Community Secondary school at Odiokwu Town.
The lady, Winnie Ogadinma Miller, had complained about the school’s dilapidated structures and and decayed roof, took pictures, made videos of the bad state of the school and posted online.
She also drew the attention government at all levels, and particularly appealed on the council boss who also hails from the same community to renovate the school.
Miller alleged that rather than renovate the school, the council boss and some of his aides stormed her house and beat her up.
The victim, whose picture show a bloodied face, said that the council boss and his entourage took time to beat her up right in the presence of her relatives who watched helplessly.
Another source said:” The Executive Chairman of Ahoada led his brothers and his Security guards to the home of the young girl to beat her up, bullied her and broke her lips .
”I condemn this barbaric acts from the Chairman. No democratic government is above constructive criticism.”
But the council boss, through his Chief Press Secretary, Dennis Ezeuwa Lot, dismissed the allegation, claiming that the “allegation is false, malicious, and deliberately distorted to incite public anger and damage the reputation of the Chairman.”
He said that the said Winnie is one of the media aides to the council chairman and on his payroll, noting that the said assault did not take place.
In a statement, Lot claimed that “what transpired is being grossly misrepresented,” adding that “at no point did the Chairman engage in any physical confrontation. He neither touched nor instructed anyone to touch her.”
He said: “The attention of the Office of the Executive Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Hon. Eugene Chita Epelle JP, has been drawn to a misleading and sensational allegation circulating online, claiming that the Chairman led an attack on a young lady (Winnie Ogadinma who is a Media Aide to the Chairman, and by implication under the payroll of the Council) from Odiokwu community over her comments regarding the condition of Community Secondary School, Odiokwu.
“Dor the sake of clarity, the Chairman did not at any time lead anyone, whether brothers, associates, or security personnel to assault, bully, or intimidate the said accuser.
Today, 1st March 2026, the Chairman visited the residence of the accuser’s mother (which today isn’t the first time he has visited her) strictly for a peaceful and mature engagement.
” During discussion, the young lady reportedly approached the Chairman unprovoked, hurled insults at him, and used unprintable names. Despite this provocation, the Chairman maintained composure and continued his discussion calmly with her mother without responding to the insults.
Moments later, the accuser again moved aggressively toward the Chairman while continuing her verbal attack. A passerby intervened in an attempt to prevent escalation. In the process of being restrained, she reportedly lost balance, fell, and sustained minor injury.
At We challenge the accuser and those amplifying this narrative to present credible evidence—video footage, photographs, or any verifiable material showing the Chairman leading or participating in any assault as alleged. In this era of mobile devices and constant recording, such serious claims should be backed by clear proof.
It is also noteworthy that this is not the first time the said accuser has publicly attempted to malign or embarrass the Chairman within the community. Nevertheless, Hon. Eugene Chita Epelle has continued to exercise restraint and maturity in handling repeated provocations.
“Despite being a media aide to Chairman, and also have the ears of the Chairman, why making false statements and destructive remarks if not for ulterior motives (question begging for answers)
“Regarding the condition of the school, while concerns about infrastructure are legitimate and deserving of attention, it must be clearly stated that the administration of public secondary schools falls under the jurisdiction of the Rivers State Government.
“The Chairman remains open to constructive dialogue and collaboration aimed at improving community development, including educational facilities.
Attempts to twist a peaceful visit into a narrative of brutality are unfortunate and appear calculated to create unnecessary political tension in Odiokwu and across Ahoada West.”
