January 31, 2026
News | SUNTV Global Channel
The Rivers State Government has dismissed claims that it deliberately barred the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a pro-Tinubu political support group from using the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, insisting that the facility is currently unsafe due to ongoing reconstruction works.
The government described the allegations as false, misleading and politically motivated, stressing that the stadium is undergoing extensive renovation and is not open for any form of public gathering.
The controversy followed comments by the Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Desmond Akawor, who alleged on Friday that the state government prevented the group from using the stadium for the inauguration of its political support structure for President Bola Tinubu. The event was eventually held at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Port Harcourt.
The allegation was later echoed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who warned during the event that supporters of the group could forcefully access the stadium if denied again in the future.
Reacting to the claims, the Rivers State Government said there was no truth to the accusation, emphasising that the Yakubu Gowon Stadium is presently under heavy reconstruction and poses serious safety risks.
Speaking to journalists after an inspection tour of the facility on Friday evening, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, said the scale of work ongoing at the stadium made it impossible to host any event.
Sirawoo, who inspected the project alongside the Commissioner for Sports, Christopher Green, and senior officials of the ministry under the guidance of the site engineer, said both the pitch and spectator areas remain under active construction.
“The allegation that the Rivers State Government denied anyone access to this stadium is false and misleading,” Sirawoo said. “This facility is under reconstruction and is clearly unsafe. No responsible government would allow people to gather here under these conditions.”
He cautioned political leaders against politicising issues related to public safety and urged them to place the collective interest of Rivers State above personal or partisan ambitions.
Sirawoo also noted that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains committed to the development of the state and is actively involved in efforts to ensure the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, dismissing insinuations that the state government is working against the President.
Also speaking during the inspection, the Commissioner for Sports, Christopher Green, who also doubles as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, said his ministry did not receive any formal application from the Renewed Hope Ambassadors for the use of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.
According to him, due process must be followed by any organisation seeking to use government-owned facilities.
“No request was made to my office or the Ministry of Sports for the use of the stadium,” Green said. “Beyond that, the stadium is under reconstruction. The allegation is therefore unfounded.”
He added that the venue where the event was eventually held—the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic—is also owned by the Rivers State Government, a fact he said undermines claims that the government intended to frustrate the pro-Tinubu group.
The site engineer overseeing the project, Michael Ebitenye, warned that allowing public access to the stadium at this stage could lead to serious damage and endanger lives.
Ebitenye explained that underground pipes beneath the pitch could be damaged by heavy human traffic, while several sections of the stadium, including VIP areas, remain hazardous.
He said the contracting firm handling the project, Monimichelle, would not permit any event at the facility until reconstruction is completed.
“Allowing people into a facility under renovation would amount to risking lives, regardless of political status or affiliation,” he said.
The Rivers State Government reiterated that its decision regarding the Yakubu Gowon Stadium is based strictly on safety concerns and not political considerations, urging the public to disregard claims suggesting otherwise.
