The Rivers State Government has denied allegations that it prevented the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and members of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, from accessing the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, for the inauguration of a political support group backing President Bola Tinubu.
The state government described the claim as false and misleading, explaining that the stadium is currently undergoing reconstruction and is unsafe for public use.
Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Desmond Akawor, had alleged on Friday that state authorities blocked the group from using the stadium. He made the claim while addressing supporters during the group’s inauguration ceremony held at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Port Harcourt.
Wike later echoed the allegation, warning that supporters might force their way into the stadium if denied access again.
Reacting to the claims after an inspection of the facility, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, said the stadium remains under reconstruction and cannot safely host any public event.
“The allegation has no basis. The stadium is still under reconstruction, making it impossible for any group to hold an event there at this time,” Sirawoo said.
He urged political actors to place the interest and safety of Rivers residents above partisan considerations, adding that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains committed to supporting President Tinubu’s re-election.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Sports and Attorney-General of the state, Christopher Green, said no formal request was received by his office for the use of the stadium.
“There was no application before us. Even the venue eventually used, the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, is a state-owned facility.”
The stadium’s site engineer, Michael Ebitenye, warned that hosting an event at the facility could endanger lives and damage critical infrastructure, noting that underground pipes beneath the pitch and VIP sections remain exposed. He added that the contractor handling the project, Monimichelle, would not allow any activity in areas still under renovation, regardless of political affiliation.
The Rivers State Government maintained that the Yakubu Gowon Stadium will remain closed to public and political activities until reconstruction works are fully completed.