The Rivers State Government has refuted claims that it barred the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Desmond Akawor, from accessing the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, for the inauguration of the pro-President Bola Tinubu support group.
Akawor had alleged on Friday that the state government blocked the group from using the stadium, making the claim during the inauguration ceremony held at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Port Harcourt.
The allegation was reinforced by Minister Wike, who warned that if access to the stadium were denied again, supporters would forcibly enter the facility.
The state government dismissed the claims as false and misleading, citing safety concerns due to ongoing reconstruction works at the stadium.
Speaking to journalists after an inspection tour of the facility, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, explained that the level of renovation currently underway rendered the stadium unsafe for public use.
Sirawoo, accompanied by the Commissioner for Sports, Christopher Green, and guided by the site engineer, Michael Ebitenye, emphasized that no political group could safely use the facility at this stage. He urged political actors in the state to prioritize the welfare of Rivers State above partisan ambitions, noting that there is life beyond politics.
He also reaffirmed Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s re-election.
Commissioner Green, who also serves as the Attorney-General of the state, stated that no formal request had been submitted for the stadium’s use and described the allegation as baseless.
He further noted that the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, the alternative venue for the group’s inauguration, is also a Rivers State Government–owned facility.
Site engineer Michael Ebitenye highlighted that the stadium’s current condition is delicate, with underground piping beneath the pitch at risk of damage from heavy foot traffic. He also cited serious safety hazards in the VIP sections and other areas under construction.
Ebitenye affirmed that the contracting firm, Monimichelle, is committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property and would not permit the use of the facility for any event—regardless of political affiliation—while renovation is ongoing.
The government reiterated that public safety remains its top priority and that claims suggesting political interference in the stadium’s use are unfounded.
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