The Administrator of Ahoada East Local Government Area in Rivers State, Goodluck Ihemnacho, has resigned from his position, barely two months after his appointment by the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd).

Ihemnacho’s resignation, contained in a letter dated June 20, 2025, was addressed to Ibas and has since gone viral, stirring controversy across the state.

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

The letter cited a desire to return to the private sector as the reason for stepping down. However, there are conflicting reports suggesting the move may not have been entirely voluntary.

A source familiar with the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, claimed that Ihemnacho may have been forced to resign under duress. “Intelligence sources indicate that minutes before the purported resignation, some men moved into the LGA council, manhandled the administrator, and forced him to sign the resignation letter,” the source alleged.

The same source also pointed out a date discrepancy in the resignation letter. “Instead of stating April 11 to June 20, the letter says April 11 to July 20, 2025,” he said.

Following the development, the council secretariat has reportedly been shut down, and police operatives have taken control of the premises to maintain order.

While the state government is yet to issue an official response, the incident has intensified political tension in the region.