Fubara Reacts as Wike Threatens Stadium Disruption in Viral Video 

The Rivers State government has announced that it did not deny access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Elekahia, Port Harcourt, for the rally organized by supporters of President Bola Tinubu, led by Nyesom Wike.

The government clarified that the stadium is currently undergoing reconstruction.

Wike, who is also the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, along with Amb. Desmond Akawor, Chairman of the Renewed Hope Agenda in Rivers State, had previously accused the state government of refusing their request to use the stadium for the inauguration of the coordinators of the Renewed Hope Agenda. These coordinators represent the three senatorial districts and 23 local government areas within the state.

In response to the situation, Wike expressed strong sentiments, stating that he would take drastic measures, including the possibility of damaging the stadium, if the state government continued to restrict access for political rallies.

He made the threat while speaking at the rally, which was later moved to the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

Stadium unsafe – Rivers
Reacting, the state government described Wike’s allegations as false, stating that the stadium was currently unsafe for public use.

Government made the clarification in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Honour Sirawoo, on Friday titled ‘Rivers State Govt Denies Blocking Pro-Tinubu Group from Using Yakubu Gowon Stadium’. It had a sub-theme – ‘Shows Facility is Under Reconstruction’.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Sports, who is also the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Christopher Green, said his office did not receive any formal request for the use of the stadium.

He added: “Even the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, where the inauguration was eventually held, is a Rivers State Government-owned facility.

“The site engineer, Michael Ebitenye, who led government officials on the inspection tour, said the stadium is currently in a delicate condition, warning that heavy human traffic could damage underground pipes beneath the pitch.”

Also, he stressed safety hazards in the VIP sections, and other areas under reconstruction.

Green said the contracting firm, Monimichelle, “remains committed to the safety of lives and properties and would not permit the use of facilities undergoing renovation for any event, regardless of political affiliation.”