By Ebuka Onyekwelu, Ph.D
The Executive Chairman of Ahaoda West local government in Rivers State, Nigeria, Hon. Eugene Chita, has been accused by a young woman, Winnie Miller, of beating her up when he visited her home in Odiokwu Town, Ahoada, in the company of his brother and others. The incident followed a social media post by Ms.Winnie, a native of Odiokwu, about her visit to Ubie Community Secondary School, Odiokwu, which exposed a lack of basic environment for teaching and learning, as well as a lack of tools for teachers and students to work with.
During her visit to the Secondary School on Friday, Winnie called the attention of the government at various levels, including the state and local government. She also called the attention of youths, stakeholders, and successful members of the Odiokwu community to act fast and restore her alma mater, which is also the alma mater of many of them. According to Winnie, “the school once stood as a symbol of hope for young dreams. This is not just any school, it is a major secondary school in Ubie, receiving students from neighbouring communities…for many families, this is the only hope for secondary education.” As part of her comment on social media over this visit, Winnie noted that “This is not a criticism of anyone in power. It is simply a reminder that education remains one of the most important investments any community can make. When we fix our schools, we fix our future.” The young advocate also interfaced with the school’s principal, Ms. Ugboji Monica, who also appealed for help and government intervention to fix the school so that it will be conducive for teaching and learning.
However, yesterday, Sunday, the Executive Chairman of Ahoada LGA, Hon. Eugene, and others visited the home of Winnie Miller in Odiokwu, and allegedly manhandled her. The young Winnie, who captured herself crying and bleeding from her mouth, alleged that the Chairman was accompanied by his brother, Monday Chita, whom she said threatened to kill her. “Chairman’s brother, Monday Chita, said he will kill me.”
