Wike allegedly seeks grip on Rivers PDP, APC as Fubara gains ground

Contrast was made in Fubara’s approach to governance with that of Wike, with claims that Fubara is focused on serving the people rather than controlling them.

Austin Opara, a former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, has accused former Rivers State governor and current Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, of attempting to control both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) structures in the state.

Speaking on Channels Television, Opara voiced concerns about what he described as a shift away from oppressive governance in Rivers under Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s leadership.

“The people of Rivers are tired of oppression, tired of emperorship, tired of dictatorship,” Opara stated, emphasising a desire among residents for change and freedom from authoritarian rule.

Reflecting on the recent Local Government Council elections, he highlighted the successful turnout as a sign of public support for a new direction.

“Rivers people feel liberated; they are excited; they came out in numbers to vote,” he said.

Opara contrasted Fubara’s approach to governance with that of Wike, claiming that Fubara is focused on serving the people rather than controlling them.

“The difference now is that we have a governor who wants to serve, not be served, not a governor with Hitler or Trump as a mentor,” he remarked, indicating that Fubara’s administration has been a refreshing change for many.

Governor Fubara faced considerable challenges leading up to the polls, especially after the PDP and APC withdrew from the elections.

However, he persisted in holding the polls, earning praise from Opara, who described the governor’s efforts as a “defiance of all odds” to protect democratic processes in Rivers State.