Introduction: Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas accused of corruption
Brutal Assault and Forced Resignation Shake Ahoada East LGA on June 22, 2025, as Rivers State plunged deeper into political chaos as shocking allegations surfaced against Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
He stands accused of withholding ₦200 million from the monthly allocation meant for Ahoada East Local Government Area (LGA).
This explosive claim follows a disturbing incident involving the physical assault.
And forced resignation of Goodluck Ihenacho, the council’s Sole Administrator.
The attack has intensified the already volatile political atmosphere in Rivers State.
Voice Note Reveals Political Motive Behind Assault
The Guardian reported that a voice note from Hector Ekeakita.
The Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Ahoada East LGA, linked the assault on Ihenacho to his alleged loyalty to the ‘Simplified Family.
The political faction aligned with suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Ekeakita said, “Goodluck was tortured and forced to sign a prepared resignation letter because he was fraternising with members.
The Simplified Family and was almost employing a youth loyal to Fubara before the incident.”
The CSO, one of those invited by police for questioning.
Described the attack as “barbaric” and condemned such violent political tactics.
“We do not play that kind of politics here,” he added.
Viral Video Shows Shocking Scene of Violence
Over the weekend, a viral video circulated showing armed youths brutally assaulting Ihenacho inside his office.
The footage captured the administrator sitting helplessly on the floor as his assailants forced a resignation letter into his hands.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the attack and coercion.
Launching an ongoing investigation.
However, Ekeakita denied any involvement, insisting the attackers were local youths demanding transparency, not hired thugs.
Allegations of ₦200 Million Misappropriation Rock Council
The CSO used the opportunity to level serious financial accusations against Vice Admiral Ibas.
He claimed that council funds have been deliberately underreported and withheld.
“In April, Mr. Ihenacho received ₦800 million but declared only ₦700 million.
In May, he got ₦600 million plus over ₦100 million from excess crude, yet declared just ₦500 million,” Ekeakita charged.
“Ibas must tell the public if he collected council money or not.”
Only ₦41 million was reportedly left for council operations in the last two months.
Raising alarming questions about financial transparency and governance.
Neglect of Duties Fuels Public Outrage
Ekeakita also criticized Ihenacho for neglecting essential responsibilities such as sanitation and security.
He argued this neglect triggered public frustration, which may have contributed to the violent backlash.
“He abandoned the very basics of governance, and the people reacted.
But that doesn’t justify the violence,” the CSO clarified.
Political Tensions Escalate Amid State of Emergency
This controversy unfolds just three months after a state of emergency was declared in Rivers politics.
The declaration came amid bitter rivalry between the camps of former Governor Nyesom Wike and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The ongoing feud has polarized the state, and the violent attack on Ihenacho only underscores the dangerous political instability gripping Rivers.
What This Means for Rivers State
The allegations against Vice Admiral Ibas and the shocking assault on Ihenacho expose deep fractures within Rivers State’s political and administrative machinery.
Meanwhile, the violent tactics used to force a resignation reveal a disturbing breakdown of democratic processes and respect for rule of law.
Rivers residents are left questioning who truly controls their local government and whether justice will be served.
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