Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Okpara, has stated that the outcome of the Rivers State Local Government elections is a clear indication that the people of the state are weary of oppression and dictatorship. According to him, the success of the October 5 council elections reflects a turning point for the state, signaling the liberation of its citizens.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, Okpara emphasized that Rivers State now has a governor committed to serving the people, unlike previous administrations that he likened to autocratic regimes.
He said, “What it portends is that Rivers people are tired of oppression, tired of emperorship, tired of dictatorship. The difference now is that we have a governor who wants to serve, not one who believes Adolf Hitler or Donald Trump is a role model. Rivers people feel liberated; they came out in their numbers to vote, and they are excited.”
Okpara also criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of attempting to control both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. The former political ally of Wike explained that his decision to distance himself from the minister and align with Governor Siminalayi Fubara was driven by ideological differences.
He stated, “A man wants to control the APC structure, while also seeking dominance over the PDP structure in a state? How do you explain that? We were political associates, but our disagreement began when he supported the APC in the 2023 presidential election at the expense of the PDP.”
Furthermore, Okpara praised Governor Fubara for successfully conducting the state’s local government election, despite the withdrawal of both the PDP and APC. He commended the governor’s decision, citing the necessity of having democratically elected local government officials in order to ensure the state continues to receive federal allocations.
“We must give credit to Governor Fubara,” Okpara said. “By the end of the month, any state without an elected local government structure will not receive funds from FAAC. That would mean local government workers going unpaid, and families suffering. Governor Fubara acted in the best interest of the state, ensuring the elections took place despite the political challenges.”
He added that Fubara’s decision to hold the election was not an act of defiance against the PDP, as the governor remains a loyal member of the party. Okpara concluded by underscoring the governor’s commitment to the state, saying, “His loyalty is to the people of Rivers State, and he ensured the election went ahead for their benefit.”
