Rivers Govt Denies Blocking Wike From Using Stadium, Says Facility Under Reconstruction

The Rivers State Government has dismissed claims that it deliberately denied the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his supporters access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, insisting that the facility is currently closed to all users due to ongoing reconstruction works.

The state government clarified that the stadium, one of the major public sports facilities in Rivers, is undergoing extensive renovation and is therefore unsafe for political rallies or large public gatherings at this time. Officials described allegations of political victimisation as misleading and unfounded. Speaking on the controversy, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, said the government did not single out Wike or any political group for denial of access. According to him, the stadium is under active construction, with engineers working on sensitive underground infrastructure that could be damaged by heavy human traffic. Sirawoo stressed that no individual or organisation, regardless of political affiliation, has been granted permission to use the stadium since reconstruction commenced. He added that safety considerations informed the decision to restrict access, noting that allowing a large crowd into the facility could pose serious risks. Similarly, the Coordinating Commissioner for Sports and Attorney-General of Rivers State, Christopher Green, stated that the government did not receive any formal application approved for the use of the stadium during the period in question. He challenged those claiming denial to provide evidence of an officially rejected request. The clarification follows public comments by Wike and members of the pro-Tinubu Renewed Hope political group, who alleged that the Rivers State Government blocked their planned political programme at the stadium. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, had accused the state authorities of frustrating political activities and warned that his supporters might forcefully access the facility if future requests were denied. In response, the state government maintained that alternative venues remain available for political and social events across Rivers State. Officials listed facilities such as the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium and other state-owned grounds as suitable options that have not been restricted. The dispute over the stadium has further highlighted the ongoing political tension in Rivers State, particularly the strained relationship between Wike and the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The disagreement comes amid broader realignments within the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.