Legal activist Chetam Nwala has accused President Bola Tinubu of prioritizing political strategy over state stability through his declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State. In a recent Channels Television interview, Nwala claimed the move targeted Tinubu’s 2027 re-election ambitions.
The emergency declaration suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and state lawmakers. Nwala asserted it was purely political. He stated it aimed to secure Tinubu’s electoral prospects rather than resolve governance issues.
Political Maneuvering Allegations
“The emergency rule wasn’t about stabilizing Rivers State,” Nwala emphasized during the Morning Brief program. “It involved protecting presidential ambitions for 2027.”
According to the activist, the March 2025 declaration weakened Governor Fubara politically. This pressure allegedly forced Fubara’s defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress. Nwala described the governor as returning “like a wounded lion” before joining the APC.
Economic Concerns Ignored
Nwala criticized Tinubu for overlooking economic consequences in Rivers State. He claimed presidential priorities centered on gaining political loyalty. “Tinubu didn’t care if Rivers’ economy suffered,” Nwala stated. “His goal was securing the governor’s party switch.”
The activist concluded that Tinubu achieved his objective despite constitutional concerns raised nationwide. “Success came through coercing alignment with ruling party interests,” Nwala asserted.
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