The Administrator of Ahoada East Local Government Area in Rivers State, Goodluck Ihemnacho, has officially stepped down from his position, just 70 days after assuming office.
Ihemnacho, who was officially sworn in on April 11, 2025, tendered his resignation in a letter dated June 20, 2025, addressed to the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd). His sudden resignation has sparked widespread speculation and raised questions about the stability of the local government structure in the state.
In the letter, which has since circulated widely on social media, Ihemnacho cited a personal decision to return to private business as the reason for his sudden exit.
His letter read in part: “Sequel to the above subject matter; I humbly write to your noble office to convey to you my resignation as the administrator of Ahoada-East LGA. My decision is informed by my desire to return back to the private sector. My sincere gratitude goes to the government of Rivers State and the good people of Ahoada-East for finding me worthy to serve as administrator of Ahoada-East LGA from April 11, 2025, to June 20, 2025.”
Ihemnacho was one of the 23 local government administrators appointed by Vice Admiral Ibas following the expiration of the tenures of the elected council chairmen. The Ibas-led interim government had opted to install temporary administrators instead of conducting fresh local council elections, a decision that has since drawn criticism from various quarters.
Interestingly, Ihemnacho’s resignation is the first among the recently appointed administrators and has raised critical concerns about the overall stability of the state’s local governance structure. Political analysts view this development as a potential sign of deeper challenges within the current administration.
While Ihemnacho publicly cited personal reasons for his resignation, there are widespread unconfirmed reports suggesting the resignation may have been influenced by external political pressure and intimidation from influential figures within the area. According to local sources, some political heavyweights may have mounted intense pressure on him, allegedly threatening his safety and compelling him to step aside.
Some insiders further speculate that his resignation could be strategically motivated. Political observers believe Ihemnacho may be preparing to contest in the upcoming August council elections. This theory gained weight following the recent confirmation by the Senate Committee on Rivers State Emergency Rule of the newly appointed chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), signaling the state’s readiness to conduct fresh local government elections.
As of the time of this report, the Rivers State Government has not issued any official statement regarding Ihemnacho’s resignation or the surrounding allegations. The silence from the government only adds to the growing uncertainty and speculation over the direction of local governance in the state under the current interim leadership.
The sudden resignation of Ihemnacho has therefore not only disrupted administration in Ahoada East but has also intensified public discourse on the political direction of Rivers State and the implications of appointing rather than electing council leadership.