The Rivers State Government has rejected allegations that it prevented the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Desmond Akawor, from accessing the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt for the inauguration of a political support group backing President Bola Tinubu.
Akawor had claimed on Friday that the state authorities obstructed plans by the group to use the stadium for the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors.
He made the claim while speaking to supporters at the group’s inauguration event, which eventually took place at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Port Harcourt.
The allegation was later echoed by the FCT Minister, who, during his address at the event, cautioned that should permission to use the stadium be refused again, supporters of the group would force their way into the facility.
In response, the Rivers State Government dismissed the claims as inaccurate and deceptive, stating that the Yakubu Gowon Stadium is currently under reconstruction and therefore unsafe for any form of public gathering.
Addressing journalists on Friday evening after an inspection of the stadium, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, said the accusation was unfounded.
Sirawoo, who inspected the facility alongside the Commissioner for Sports, Christopher Green, and under the supervision of the site engineer, explained that the extent of ongoing construction work makes it impossible for any organisation to use the stadium at present.
The permanent secretary urged political actors in the state to prioritise the overall interest of Rivers State over personal political pursuits, stressing that political life does not define a person’s entire existence.
He added that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains committed to governance and is actively involved in efforts aimed at securing the re-election of President Tinubu.
Also commenting, the Commissioner for Sports, who also serves as the state’s Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Christopher Green, said his ministry did not receive any official application requesting the use of the stadium.
Green described the claims as without merit, pointing out that the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, where the inauguration was eventually held, is equally owned by the Rivers State Government.
The site engineer, Michael Ebitenye, who guided officials during the inspection, said the stadium is presently in a fragile state, warning that large crowds could damage underground pipelines beneath the playing surface.
He further highlighted serious safety concerns in the VIP stands and other sections still undergoing renovation.
Ebitenye emphasised that the construction company, Monimichelle, is focused on protecting lives and property and would not allow the use of facilities under rehabilitation for any event, irrespective of political affiliation.
What you should know
The controversy reflects the deepening political tension in Rivers State following public accusations and counterclaims involving high-profile political figures.
While allies of Nyesom Wike insist access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium was deliberately denied, the state government maintains that safety concerns linked to ongoing reconstruction made the venue unavailable. Officials stress that no formal request was submitted and argue that public facilities under renovation cannot be opened for political activities.
The incident underscores the fragile relationship between political interests and state institutions, as authorities call for restraint, adherence to due process, and the prioritisation of public safety over political mobilisation.
