Rivers LGA Chairman Refutes Claims of Assaulting Woman Over School Video

Eugene Cheta Epelle, the chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, has publicly denied allegations that he orchestrated an attack on Winnie Miller, a young woman who posted a video showcasing the dilapidated state of a secondary school in his locality.

Miller held a press briefing on Wednesday, March 4, where she accused the local government chairman of being incensed by her video and leading a group of thugs to confront her.

In response to these assertions, Epelle firmly rejected the claims. He stated that he never directed any thugs to go to Miller's residence and argued that his primary concern was that she should have notified him prior to sharing the video.

He elaborated, "I never led thugs to her house. The individuals referred to as thugs were actually myself, my driver, my younger brother, and council leaders. We were on our way to her house when I happened to see her mother outside. We greeted each other as acquaintances, and she informed me that she had suffered an accident, to which I expressed my sympathy and offered assistance.

I then mentioned that she should inform her daughter, who is my aide and still works for me, to remove the post from online to avoid any misconceptions that I am against the Rivers State government or that I encouraged her to post anything critical of the government. I don't oppose her post, but she should have sought my permission before publicizing something like that. When she came out of her compound, she challenged me, saying, 'step down which post? Did I give her money to buy the phone that I would tell her to delete a post?'

Epelle further revealed that his younger brother, who was present, accidentally pushed Miller during the exchange, resulting in her injury. He clarified that he did not condone the action of his brother against Miller.

“Nobody be@t her,” he stated emphatically.

A video detailing his perspective on the matter can be viewed below.