The Rivers State Government has rejected claims that it deliberately blocked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and a pro-Tinubu political support group from using the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, insisting that the facility is currently under major reconstruction and unsafe for public events.
The controversy followed allegations by the Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Desmond Akawor, that the government denied the group access to the stadium for its inauguration. The event was eventually held at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, where Wike echoed the claim and warned that supporters might forcefully access the stadium if denied again.
Reacting, the state government described the allegation as false and politically motivated. Speaking after an inspection of the stadium, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, said ongoing construction work on the pitch, stands and other key sections makes the facility unsafe for any gathering, adding that no responsible government would risk public lives.
The Commissioner for Sports, Christopher Green, who is also the Attorney-General of the state, said his ministry never received any formal request from the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to use the stadium. He noted that due process is required for the use of government facilities and pointed out that the alternative venue used by the group is also owned by the Rivers State Government.
The site engineer handling the project, Michael Ebitenye, warned that allowing access to the stadium at this stage could damage critical infrastructure and endanger lives. The state government maintained that its decision was based strictly on safety concerns, urging political actors to avoid politicising issues related to public welfare.