The chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers state, Eugene Cheta Epelle, has denied beating Miss Ogadinma Minne Uchechi for posting her community’s dilapidated school building on facebook.
Recall Miss Uchechi had alleged that the chairman assaulted her after posting about the decay and unsafe learning environment of Community Secondary School Odiokwu in the LGA, on facebook.
According to her, the post was to solicit for help from well spirited persons to renovate the school, which happens to be the school in the community where she and the chairman hail from.
Uchechi said that the chairman got offended on seeing the post, accusing her of attempting to tarnish his image online and thereafter visited the residence of her mother to report the matter.
She alleged that on sighting her in the compound, the chairman ordered his younger brother to beat her up.
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Meanwhile the chairman through his Chief Press Secretary Dennis Ezeuwa Lot, has refuted the allegations, describing it as false, malicious and deliberately distorted to incite public anger and damage his reputation.
“For the sake of clarity, the chairman did not at any time lead anyone, whether brothers, associates, or security personnel to assault, bully, or intimidate the said accuser.
“What transpired is being grossly misrepresented.
“Today, 1st March 2026, the Chairman visited the residence of the accuser’s mother (which today isn’t the first time he has visited her) strictly for a peaceful and mature engagement. During discussion, the young lady reportedly approached the Chairman unprovoked, hurled insults at him, and used unprintable names. Despite this provocation, the Chairman maintained composure and continued his discussion calmly with her mother without responding to the insults.
“Moments later, the accuser again moved aggressively toward the Chairman while continuing her verbal attack. A passerby intervened in an attempt to prevent escalation. In the process of being restrained, she reportedly lost balance, fell, and sustained minor injury.
“At no point did the Chairman engage in any physical confrontation. He neither touched nor instructed anyone to touch her. We challenge the accuser and those amplifying this narrative to present credible evidence—video footage, photographs, or any verifiable material showing the Chairman leading or participating in any assault as alleged. In this era of mobile devices and constant recording, such serious claims should be backed by clear proof.
“It is also noteworthy that this is not the first time the said accuser has publicly attempted to malign or embarrass the Chairman within the community.
” Nevertheless, Hon. Eugene Chita Epelle has continued to exercise restraint and maturity in handling repeated provocations”.
