The Defence for Human Rights and Democracy (DHRD), a civil society organisation, has alleged that the social media aide to the Chairman of Ahoada-West Local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon. Eugene Epelle, was manipulated by political opponents in the controversy surrounding an alleged assault claim against the council boss.
The group made the allegation in a statement issued on Thursday in Port Harcourt and signed by its chairman, Christopher Solomon, according to Leadership publication.
The allegation followed claims by the aide, Minnie Ogadinma, who had accused the council chairman of storming her family residence in Odiokwu community with suspected political thugs and attacking her after she shared images showing the poor condition of a secondary school in the area.
Ogadinma’s emotional video circulated widely on social media and drew reactions from human rights advocates and members of the public both within and outside Rivers State.
However, the DHRD said its findings suggested that the incident had been politicised by individuals seeking to discredit the council chairman.
According to the group, the rapid condemnation of the chairman on social media occurred before any independent effort was made to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
The organisation also drew attention to ongoing and planned interventions aimed at improving infrastructure at Odiokwu Community Secondary School, which had been referenced in the controversy.
It noted that the member representing Ahoada West/Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives had previously listed the school for renovation under constituency development projects following a visit to the facility in 2024.
The group explained that the renovation project could not commence earlier as expected due to limitations in the 2025 capital budget.
In addition, it stated that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) had recently adopted the school for a broader remodelling initiative expected to include the construction of student hostels and the upgrade of learning facilities.
The DHRD further alleged that in the process of attempting to portray the council chairman in a negative light, some individuals might have been involved in damaging sections of the school building.
The organisation called on the Rivers State Government to initiate a thorough investigation into the destruction recorded at the school premises.
It stressed that anyone found responsible for tampering with public property should be held accountable, adding that such action would serve as a deterrent to others who might attempt similar acts.
The group maintained that safeguarding government facilities and ensuring due process in addressing disputes were essential to protecting public interest and maintaining order in local communities.
