A prominent Rivers State indigene and legal expert, Chetam Thierry Nwala, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, accusing the President of harboring a deliberate agenda to cripple the oil-rich state’s economy. Speaking on TV Morning Show on Friday, Nwala alleged that Tinubu’s actions are politically motivated, rooted in rivalry with Lagos State, which the President controls.
Nwala condemned the federal government’s intervention in Rivers State, stating that the imposition of Ibas, a federally appointed administrator, has effectively destroyed the local economy. He said, “The emergence of Ibas in Rivers State today has destroyed Rivers’ economy and destroyed Rivers State completely. I don’t blame him so much. I blame the President because I think that there is this animosity the President has against Rivers people. It is very obvious from the facts on the ground.”
The lawyer accused President Tinubu of viewing Rivers as a competitor to Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, and expressed concern that the President’s policies aim to suppress Rivers State’s growth to allow Lagos to dominate. “I have held the view that the President wants to destroy Rivers State because it is in direct competition with Lagos, which he controls. And this is a problem for us. It’s a major problem, because if he destroys Rivers State for Lagos to thrive, it tells so much about what the President is doing,” Nwala explained.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers came amid political tensions and security concerns in the state. However, Nwala insists that the federal government’s measures are unjustified and violate the spirit of Nigeria’s Constitution and democratic principles. He called for the restoration of genuine democratic governance in Rivers, emphasizing the need for the people of the state to have autonomy and political representation free from federal interference.
“Nobody from Rivers State supports the current intervention. What we need is democracy restored in Rivers State. The federal government’s actions go against the wishes of Rivers people and the Constitution,” Nwala stated.
The lawyer’s comments add to the rising discourse about federal-state relations in Nigeria, especially in resource-rich regions such as the Niger Delta. Rivers State is a key player in Nigeria’s oil production, contributing significantly to the national economy. Yet, tensions between federal authorities and the state government have often led to political and economic instability.
Observers note that the current crisis may deepen regional grievances and calls for restructuring Nigeria’s federal system to allow greater autonomy to oil-producing states. Nwala’s criticisms highlight concerns that political rivalries are undermining development and worsening divisions within the country.
This conflict echoes broader debates about Nigeria’s governance model and the equitable sharing of resources among states. Critics argue that concentrating power and resources in a few regions threatens national cohesion and economic progress.
As Rivers faces ongoing federal intervention, many citizens and stakeholders are calling for dialogue, transparency, and respect for constitutional governance to prevent further economic damage and political unrest.
The federal government has yet to respond directly to Nwala’s allegations, but the controversy is likely to intensify as Nigeria approaches future elections and grapples with governance challenges in its most vital economic zones.