A prominent Rivers State lawyer, Chetam Thierry Nwala, has launched a scathing criticism against President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of deliberately trying to destroy Rivers State's economy to eliminate competition with Lagos State.

Speaking on Arise Television's Morning Show on Friday, Nwala claimed that the President's recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State was politically motivated and designed to cripple the oil-rich South-South state's economic prospects.

"I have held the view that the President wants to destroy Rivers State because it is in direct competition with Lagos, which he controls," Nwala stated during the interview. "This is a major problem for us because if he destroys Rivers State for Lagos to thrive, it tells so much about what the President is doing."

The lawyer further alleged that Tinubu has actively discouraged investments in Rivers State and has "destroyed the little livelihood" that residents were managing. He specifically mentioned that "the emergence of Ibas in Rivers State today has destroyed Rivers' economy completely."

Nwala expressed deep concern over what he described as "animosity" from the President toward Rivers people, stating that it was "very obvious from the facts on the ground."

According to the lawyer, the only solution to the current situation is to restore democracy to Rivers State. He argued that the President's actions are "against the wishes of Rivers people, and against the spirit of our Constitution and our laws."

The state of emergency declaration in Rivers State has sparked significant controversy, with various stakeholders weighing in on its implications for governance, security, and economic development in the region.

As of the time of this report, the Presidency has not responded to these specific allegations from Nwala regarding the motives behind the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State.