- the state government described the allegations as misleading, stressing that the stadium is currently unsafe for public use.
- The rally was eventually relocated to the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Rumuola, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area
- the facility remains in a fragile state, with underground pipes beneath the pitch that could be damaged by heavy foot traffic
The Rivers State Government has dismissed claims that it blocked a pro-President Bola Tinubu rally organised by allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, insisting that the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, was unavailable due to ongoing reconstruction works.
The clarification followed accusations by Wike and the Rivers State Chairman of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, who alleged that the state government deliberately denied them access to the facility for the inauguration of coordinators of the Renewed Hope Agenda across the state’s three senatorial districts and 23 local government areas, Eko Hot Blog gathered.
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The rally was eventually relocated to the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Rumuola, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, after which Wike openly threatened to forcefully access the stadium if further restrictions were imposed on political gatherings.
Reacting to the development, the state government described the allegations as misleading, stressing that the stadium is currently unsafe for public use.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Honour Sirawoo, titled “Rivers State Govt Denies Blocking Pro-Tinubu Group from Using Yakubu Gowon Stadium,” with a subheading indicating that the facility is under reconstruction.
The Commissioner for Sports, who also serves as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Christopher Green, said no formal application was submitted to his office for the use of the stadium.
He added that the alternative venue used for the event the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechni is also owned by the Rivers State Government, countering claims of deliberate obstruction.
Green further disclosed that a technical inspection of the stadium revealed serious safety concerns.
According to the site engineer, Michael Ebitenye, the facility remains in a fragile state, with underground pipes beneath the pitch that could be damaged by heavy foot traffic. He added that parts of the VIP section and other areas are still undergoing reconstruction.
The commissioner noted that the contractor handling the project, Monimichelle, is prioritising safety and would not allow the use of the stadium for any event while renovation work is ongoing, regardless of political interests.
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