Hector Ekeakita, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Ahoada East Local Government Area in Rivers State, has denied claims that he led hoodlums to assault the council’s sole administrator, Goodluck Iheamnacho.
Speaking during a television interview on Monday, Ekeakita said it was illogical to accuse him of attacking someone he works directly under.
“I am the CSO of the council. Why would I lead thugs to attack the man I report to?” he said.
Tension grew on Friday after a resignation letter allegedly signed by Iheamnacho surfaced online.
The letter, dated June 20 and addressed to Rivers State sole administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas, was quickly followed by a viral video showing a man resembling Iheamnacho being beaten.
In a radio interview later, Iheamnacho disowned the letter, claiming it was forced upon him by hoodlums who stormed his office.
Confirming the incident, Rivers State Police Command said that 30 hoodlums, led by the council’s CSO and Chief of Staff, attacked Iheamnacho and forced him to sign the resignation.
Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko stated that both men have been invited for questioning.
Defending himself, Ekeakita said he was in his office when he heard noise from the administrator’s office. When he entered, Iheamnacho reportedly told him it was a personal issue involving unpaid political appointees.
“He told me to shut the door and leave. So, I returned to my office,”
Ekeakita explained.
“Later, when the noise escalated, I tried calling the police, but the line didn’t connect.”
He maintained that his actions were limited to making the phone call and denied any involvement in the attack.