…administrator hospitalised after incident
The Rivers State Police Command has summoned the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and the Chief of Staff (CoS) to the Administrator of Ahoada East Local Government Area over the brutal assault and forced resignation of Mr. Goodluck Ihemnacho.
Ihemnacho, who reportedly resigned under duress on Friday, was seen in a disturbing video that surfaced over the weekend being violently attacked by hoodlums.
The viral footage showed the council boss being beaten, tortured, and coerced into signing a pre-written resignation letter.
He and the council’s Secretary, Alabi Umegbewe, were seen pleading for their lives while being assaulted with machetes and other weapons.
The video sparked widespread outrage and prompted the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, to visit the scene of the incident.
Police authorities have since launched an investigation into the attack, summoning key officials linked to the incident to aid in uncovering those responsible.
The Police in a statement signed on Sunday by the state Public Relations Officer, SP. Grace Iringe-Koko, described the incident as deeply disturbing and heinous.
The statement said a group of hoodlums numbering about 30 led by Mr Hector Ekakita, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and the Chief of Staff (COS) to the sole administrator stormed the council secretariat to carry out the attack.
The statement said: “During the attack, the hoodlums assaulted the Sole Administrator, stole his mobile phones, forced him to sign a letter purporting his resignation, carted away vital documents, including official and personal documents from his office.
“The Administrator is currently undergoing medical treatment due to the injuries sustained during the violent attack. He is in stable condition”.
The statement said the police condemned the incident, confirming that Adepoju visited the secretariat in the company of other heads of security agencies.
The statement said: “The Commissioner of Police has directed the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Chief Of Staff (COS), and all those involved in this action to report to the Police State Headquarters, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt for questioning.
“The CP further noted that, the Command is resolute in its pursuit of justice and warned that failure to complying with this invitation will attract severe consequences.
“The Commissioner of Police reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring public peace and safety, while urging citizens of the State to remain calm, law-abiding and cooperate with the authorities to maintain peace and order across the State.”