A fresh wave of controversy has hit Rivers State following the unexpected resignation of the appointed Administrator of Ahoada East Local Government Area, Goodluck Ihemnacho. 

Ihemnacho, one of the 23 LG administrators installed by the state’s Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, made his exit known through a letter dated June 20, 2025, addressed to the Sole Administrator’s office.

The letter, which has since gone viral on social media, cites a return to private life as the reason for his departure.

In it, he expressed gratitude to the government and people of Ahoada East for the opportunity to serve.

He wrote, “I humbly write to your noble office to convey to you my resignation as the Administrator, Ahoada East LGA… My sincere gratitude goes to the government of Rivers State and the good people of Ahoada East for finding me worthy to serve… from 11th day of April 2025 to 20th day of July 2025.”

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His resignation has, however, triggered more questions than answers.

Sources familiar with the matter claimed Ihemnacho may have stepped down under duress.

One of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that a group of unidentified men stormed the Ahoada East council secretariat, physically assaulted the administrator, and forced him to sign the resignation letter.

Adding to the suspicion, observers have pointed out a glaring error in the letter — the dates referenced extend to July 20, even though the resignation was dated June 20. The secretariat has since been shut down, with police reportedly taking control of the premises.

There is also speculation that Ihemnacho’s resignation may be linked to ambitions to contest in the forthcoming local government elections. Though unconfirmed, the theory suggests he may have voluntarily stepped aside in anticipation of a more politically strategic move.

Either way, the development marks the first public crack in the structure of the Ibas-led interim local government administration, which only began in April. With just over three months in, the resignation could signify deeper undercurrents in the state’s tense political landscape.

See a copy of the resignation letter obtained by Channels Television on Friday: