Mr. Goodluck Iheamnacho, the Sole Administrator of Ahoada East Local Government Area in Rivers State, has resigned from his position less than three months after his appointment by the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd).
Iheamnacho’s resignation was formally announced in a letter dated June 20, 2025, and addressed to Ibas. He cited a desire to return to private business as the reason for stepping down.
“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,” the letter read.
“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.”
Iheamnacho was appointed on April 9 and sworn in on April 11, 2025, making his tenure last just 70 days.
His resignation is the first among the 23 sole administrators appointed to oversee local government councils in the state following the expiration of the tenures of elected chairmen. These appointments came in the wake of the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025, and the subsequent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The decision by the Ibas-led interim administration to appoint sole administrators instead of conducting fresh elections has been widely criticized, with many residents describing it as an imposition.
Iheamnacho’s resignation has sparked speculation in political circles. While he attributed his decision to a return to private enterprise, some indigenes of Ahoada East alleged that he was forced to resign either due to non-alignment with powerful political interests or lack of popular support in the area. Others claim he may be preparing to contest the forthcoming local government elections.
Though the Rivers State Government has yet to issue an official statement on the development at the time of filing this report, the resignation is seen by political observers as a significant development that could affect the stability of the local government structure under the emergency rule.
The speculation gained further traction after the Senate Committee on Rivers State Emergency Rule on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of the chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), signaling a possible plan to hold elections in August.
Iheamnacho’s sudden exit adds another layer of uncertainty to an already politically volatile situation in Rivers State.
