Ogadinma is my aide, on my payroll, I didn’t assault her – Ahoada-West Chairman
Embattled Chairman of Ahoada-West Local Government Area of Rivers State has debunked allegations of physical assault on one of his kinswoman, Ogadinma Winnie Miller, saying she is his Media aide and on his payroll.
In a statement late Sunday, March 1, 2026 by his Chief Press Secretary, Dennis Lot, the Ahoada-West Chairman dismissed the allegations as “false, malicious, and deliberately distorted to incite public anger and damage the reputation of the Chairman”.
An abridged version of the statement is reproduced below:
“RE: STRONG REFUTAL OF FALSE ASSAULT ALLEGATION AGAINST HON. EUGENE CHITA EPELLE
The attention of the Office of the Executive Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Hon. Eugene Chita Epelle JP, has been drawn to a misleading and sensational allegation circulating online, claiming that the Chairman led an attack on a young lady (Minnie Ogadinma who is a Media Aide to the Chairman, and by implication under the payroll of the Council) from Odiokwu Community over her comments regarding the condition of Community Secondary School, Odiokwu.
We categorically state that this allegation is false, malicious, and deliberately distorted to incite public anger and damage the reputation of the Chairman.
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.
Despite being a media aide to Chairman, and also have the ears of the Chairman, why making false statements and destructive remarks if not for ulterior motives (question begging for answers)
Regarding the condition of the school, while concerns about infrastructure are legitimate and deserving of attention, it must be clearly stated that the administration of public secondary schools falls under the jurisdiction of the Rivers State Government. The Chairman remains open to constructive dialogue and collaboration aimed at improving community development, including educational facilities.
Attempts to twist a peaceful visit into a narrative of brutality are unfortunate and appear calculated to create unnecessary political tension in Odiokwu and across Ahoada West.
Hon. Eugene Chita Epelle remains committed to democratic principles, respectful engagement, and the continued development of all communities within Ahoada West. He will not be distracted by baseless accusations but will continue to serve with dignity and responsibility.
We urge the public to disregard the false claims and rely only on verified information from credible sources.”
Ogadinma Winnie Miller had on Sunday, March 1, 2026 posted a video which has now gone viral wherein she accused Epelle of physically assaulting her at her residence in Odiokwu Community, claiming he expressed anger over her previous video wherein she showed the dilapidated condition of Community Secondary School, Odiokwu, calling for help to fix it.
