Ayobamiji Komolafe 
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Okpara has declared that the outcome of the Rivers State Local Government election signals the people’s desire to break free from oppression and dictatorship.
Okpara, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the State, attributed the success of the October 5 Local Council elections to the liberation of Rivers people.
“The people of Rivers State are tired of being oppressed and ruled with an iron fist,” he said on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme.
READ ALSO:
- Rivers LG Polls: Eleme Secretariat Sets Ablaze As Newly Elected Chairman Resumes Office
- Police Unseal All 23 LGA Secretariats In Rivers
- Residents Link Peaceful Conduct Of Rivers LG Poll To Police Absence
“They’re eager for a leader who serves, not an emperor who dictates,” he added.
Okpara praised Fubara for defying odds to hold the election, despite the PDP and APC withdrawal, ensuring the state’s continued receipt of FAAC allocations.
Okpara also criticized Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for attempting to control both PDP and APC structures in the state.
“It’s unacceptable for one person to dominate both parties,” Okpara said.
The former allies parted ways due to ideological differences, particularly Wike’s support for the APC in the 2023 presidential election.
It would be recalled the Rivers Independent Electoral Commission conducted the Local Government election in the state on October 5, 2024.
The All Peoples Party (APP) won 22 out of the 23 Local Governments in the state while the Action Alliance won the remaining seat.
