A heated confrontation has erupted between former Umuahia North Council Chairman, Revd. Sam Ekeledo, and the incumbent Mayor, Hon. Smart Iheoma, following an alleged assault during the Ohuhu Welfare Union election in Amaogwugwu.
In a complaint addressed to Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, Revd Ekeledo accused Hon. Iheoma of publicly rough-handling him on Saturday, November 7, at Ohuhu Secondary School, allegedly snatching the microphone from him and preventing him from addressing the gathering.
Ekeledo, who described himself as a former executive council chairman, ex-General Manager of Abia State Transport Corporation and pioneer founder/chairman of ASPIMS, said the incident was disgraceful and unbecoming of a public office holder.
He urged Governor Otti to query the mayor and demand an explanation, adding that an apology would suffice if Iheoma failed to justify his conduct.
But Iheoma has dismissed the allegations, insisting he owes Ekeledo no apology.
In a telephone response, the mayor challenged the former council boss to report the alleged assault to the police, describing his conduct as an attempt to undermine the Ohuhu Welfare Union election.
Iheoma alleged that Ekeledo had initially left the venue after announcing a court injunction but later returned to seize the microphone. He maintained that he merely asked Ekeledo to respect his directive, insisting there was no violence at the venue, where security personnel, including DSS operatives, police officers and military personnel, were present.
The mayor further alleged that Ekeledo was acting in bad faith to scuttle the exercise.
With both men standing firmly by their accounts, the controversy now raises questions about political conduct, community leadership and the growing tensions surrounding the Ohuhu Welfare Union election.
“I Owe You No Apology!” — Defiant Umuahia North Mayor Fires Back at Ex-Council Boss Over Alleged Assault
