A prominent lawyer and indigene of Rivers State, Chetam Thierry Nwala, has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu?s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, accusing the president of harbouring animosity towards the state and intentionally trying to cripple its economy due to its perceived competition with Lagos.

Speaking passionately during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Friday, Nwala expressed deep concern over the federal government?s actions, which he believes are politically motivated and unjustified. The state of emergency, declared on March 18, 2025, led to the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas as state administrator. It was initially intended to address political and security tensions following clashes between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and key figures, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers governor, Nyesom Wike.

?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,? Nwala said.

Nwala also questioned the rationale behind the emergency declaration, pointing out that even when incidents such as the reported bomb blast were cited as justifications, the affected company publicly confirmed that no critical infrastructure was permanently damaged and operations had resumed.

?So why are you declaring a state of emergency?? he asked. ?What the President has done is against the wishes of Rivers people, and against the spirit of our Constitution and our laws.?

Nwala went further to suggest that the underlying motive behind the federal government?s actions was economic rivalry. ?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, however, insisted that the only solution is to restore democracy to Rivers State, saying, ?We are interested in the soul of Rivers State, and anybody who touches the soul of Rivers State touches Rivers people. And that is why we are against what the President has done, because the President has destroyed the economy of Rivers State. He has made investments not to come to Rivers State. He has even destroyed the little livelihood we are managing. Go to Rivers State and see what is happening there.

?But the point is simple. What we are saying is that democracy should be restored to Rivers State, and that is what we demand for. Nothing more, nothing less.? (AriseNews TV)

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