‘We didn’t deny Wike access to stadium, it’s under reconstruction’ – Rivers govt

The Rivers State government has said it did not deny the Nyesom Wike-led pro-President Bola Tinubu rally organisers access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, on Friday. The state government clarified that the stadium was under reconstruction.

Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Amb. Desmond Akawor, Chairman of the Renewed Hope Agenda in Rivers State, had accused Rivers government of denying the group’s request to use the stadium for the inauguration of coordinators of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The coordinators are spread across the three senatorial districts and 23 local government areas of the state.

In fact, Wike threatened to break down the stadium if the state government denied him access to hold any political rally.

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.”