Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Okpara, has criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for allegedly trying to control the political structures of both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State. Okpara, a chieftain of the PDP, made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday.

Okpara commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for defying challenges to successfully conduct local government elections in the state, despite the withdrawal of both the PDP and APC from the process. He highlighted that Fubara’s determination to hold the elections signaled a shift in leadership style.

Referring to Wike’s alleged attempts to control both major political parties in the state, Okpara remarked, “A man wants to control APC structure, he wants to be in control of PDP structure in a state? How do you explain that?” His comment reflects growing tensions between Wike, a former Rivers State governor, and Fubara, his successor.

Okpara further emphasized the difference in leadership between Fubara and his predecessor, noting, “The difference now is that we have a governor who wants to serve and not be served; not a governor who sees Adolf Hitler or Donald Trump as his mentor.”

The former Deputy Speaker also interpreted the successful conduct of Saturday’s local government elections as a sign that the people of Rivers State are ready to break free from political oppression, suggesting that the outcome reflects a desire for change and more inclusive governance.

This clash between Wike and Fubara underscores the growing political tension within Rivers State, as key figures vie for influence over the state’s political landscape. The coming months are expected to bring more political developments, as the power struggle between these two political heavyweights continues to unfold.