A storm of controversy has engulfed Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, as its Sole Administrator, Mr. Goodluck M. Iheanacho, has resigned from office following widespread allegations of corruption and an alleged confrontation with irate youths.
In a resignation letter dated June 20, 2025, and addressed to the Rivers State Government, Mr. Iheanacho stated his intention to step down from his role, citing a desire to return to the private sector. He expressed gratitude to the state government for the opportunity to serve from April 11 to July 20, 2025. However, the events surrounding his resignation paint a much darker picture.
According to reports circulating in the local community, Mr. Iheanacho was allegedly beaten, humiliated, and forced to sign his resignation letter by angry youths who accused him of engaging in brazen acts of financial misconduct and administrative abuse in just over two months in office.
The list of allegations against Mr. Iheanacho is staggering:
- ₦7.5 million was reportedly embezzled under the guise of vehicle maintenance—despite the absence of any functional government vehicles.
- He is accused of fraudulently using the name of Mr. Hector Ekeakita to retire ₦4.45 million in public funds.
- The security vote for the local government allegedly skyrocketed from ₦15 million to ₦60 million, with no accountability for the difference.
- April’s salary bill, officially recorded at ₦292,969,453.83, was allegedly inflated by ₦100 million, which was diverted to Mr. Iheanacho’s private account—a discrepancy confirmed in the minutes of the May F & GPC meeting.
- Salaries for political appointees were allegedly padded from ₦50 million to ₦86 million, leading to a further ₦36 million diversion.
- He reportedly acquired 10 plots of land in Ula-Upata Town and 6 plots in Rumuagholu, even as youth empowerment and skills acquisition initiatives remained nonexistent.
- Mr. Iheanacho is also said to have purchased two luxury SUVs: a Toyota Highlander worth ₦48.8 million (APP 351) and a Toyota RAV4 worth ₦14.8 million (APP 350).
These developments have ignited widespread anger among local youth and stakeholders, culminating in a physical confrontation that reportedly led to Mr. Iheanacho’s forced resignation.
In a statement signed by community leader CP Ozuke, the youths called for Mr. Iheanacho’s immediate removal and prosecution, stating that his actions threaten the fragile peace and development in Ahoada East.
