The Rivers State Government has dismissed claims by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his supporters that they were denied access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium for a Renewed Hope Ambassadors rally.
In a statement on Friday, the Coordinating Commissioner for Sports, who also serves as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Chris Green, described the allegation as false, politically motivated and capable of generating unnecessary tension in the state.
Green explained that the stadium is currently undergoing extensive costruction and is unsafe for public use, stressing that the decision had nothing to do with politics but was based strictly on safety considerations.
He further clarified that no formal application was submitted to the state government for the use of the stadium.
While conducting journalists on a tour of the facility on Friday, Green challenged those making the allegation to present evidence of any rejected request, insisting that the stadium remains a high-risk construction site.
“The Yakubu Gowon Stadium is an active work zone. There is ongoing construction, heavy-duty equipment and sensitive installations everywhere. I have not received any application, and if anyone claims otherwise, let them show the proof,” he said.
Green disclosed that the reconstruction project, being executed by Monimichelie Sports Construction Company, is aimed at upgrading the stadium to meet FIFA and World Athletics standards.
According to him, more than 40,000 pipes have been installed beneath the main pitch alone, making the surface extremely fragile and unsuitable for crowd activities.
He added that the state government has continued to make alternative venues available for political and public events.
“If the intention was to stop any rally, why are other government facilities like the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium and the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic open and available? We do not stop people from using public facilities,” Green stated.
An engineer with the construction firm, Michael Ebitenye, said the project was about 55 per cent completed and currently at a delicate mechanical and hydrological stage.
He warned that the drainage and geotextile systems being installed could suffer irreversible damage from human traffic, noting that the site’s insurance policy strictly prohibits public access until completion and handover.
“This has nothing to do with politics. It is about safety and protecting critical infrastructure,” Ebitenye said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to peace, unity and development.
Sirawoo urged political actors to exercise restraint and avoid provocative claims, noting that the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic remains readily available for use.
“We have no reason to stop anyone with genuine intentions for the state and for the President. Rivers State is too important for needless political drama,” he said.
He added that checks across relevant government offices, including the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, confirmed that no application for the use of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium was received.
“There is no letter. Allegations without evidence can harm the image and cohesion of the state,” Sirawoo stated.
By Blessing Ibunge, Port Harcourt
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