- Says facility currently ‘under reconstruction’
Contrary to information in the public domain, the Rivers State government says there was no order denying the Nyesom Wike-led pro-President Bola Tinubu rally organisers access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, on Friday, 30th January 2026
The state government, which clarified that the stadium is currently under reconstruction, described allegations by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike as false, maintaining that the facility unsafe for public use in its present state.
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’.
Additionally, the statement had a sub-theme titled: “Shows Facility is Under Reconstruction”.
Further lending credence to the fact that information in the media space misrepresented the facts, the State 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.
According to him, “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, noting evident 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.”
Media reports had emerged on Friday quoting the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Chairman of the Renewed Hope Agenda in Rivers State, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, of accusing the Rivers government of denying the group’s request to use the stadium for the inauguration of coordinators of the Renewed Hope Agenda which are spread across the three senatorial districts and 23 local government areas of the state
It was further reported that the Minister threatened to break down the stadium if the state government denied him access to hold any political rally in the State.
He reportedly made the threat at the rally, which was eventually moved to the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
