Tinubu has something against Rivers people – Nwala accuses president over Supreme Court interference

DDM News

(DDM) – A legal expert, Chetam Nwala, has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may have a hidden agenda against the people of Rivers State following controversial presidential actions that seemingly contradict Supreme Court rulings.

Nwala made the accusations during an interview on Arise TV, where he condemned the President’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State despite the resolution of the region’s political crisis by the apex court.

DDM gathered that Nwala’s remarks have reignited debate over federal overreach, judicial independence, and executive influence on politically tense regions like Rivers.

According to him, President Tinubu’s move to override or nullify a Supreme Court judgment represents not only a legal violation but a calculated move that could destabilize an already fragile peace in the state.

He said, “Tell me, can the President sit down and nullify a Supreme Court decision that actually created tension within Rivers State, to create further tension and to make Rivers people spend more money in Rivers State?”

“I tell you this President has something against Rivers people.”

Nwala maintained that Tinubu’s actions showed deliberate insensitivity to the political complexities of Rivers and cast doubt on his intentions toward the region.

He emphasized that the state of emergency was unnecessary since the legal disputes that caused political tension in Rivers had already been adjudicated and resolved by the Supreme Court.

“Recall we have stated clearly that the President shouldn’t have declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on the grounds that all the political crises that led to the declaration of such an emergency were already settled by the Supreme Court,” he said.

“So, there was no need; he should have waited, but he never waited.”

The lawyer’s comments point to growing public discontent in Rivers State, where many residents and observers have criticized what they see as federal interference in local politics.

Nwala’s accusations further suggest that Tinubu’s administration may be deliberately targeting Rivers due to political alignments or unresolved tensions with regional leaders.

While the Presidency has not responded to these allegations, analysts have warned that continued executive disregard for judicial rulings could fuel distrust and deepen the North-South divide in Nigeria’s fragile federation.

Observers believe the federal government’s insistence on a state of emergency may be politically motivated, especially given Rivers State’s strategic economic and electoral importance.

Nwala’s comments have drawn attention from legal scholars and opposition figures who see the development as part of a wider pattern of executive interference with Nigeria’s judiciary.

He argued that if a President can effectively override Supreme Court decisions, it sets a dangerous precedent and undermines constitutional order.

Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s oil-rich regions, has witnessed a series of political battles and internal party disputes in recent months, including a controversial leadership struggle within the state assembly and tensions between political factions loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Though some of those battles were recently settled by court verdicts, the federal government’s continued involvement in Rivers politics has left many citizens and stakeholders skeptical of its motives.

Nwala concluded by warning that the nation’s stability depends on respect for court decisions and the rule of law, urging President Tinubu to reconsider his approach and stop “punishing” Rivers State for reasons still unclear to the public.

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