River Gov't Stops Wike From Using Yakubu Howon Stadium, Gives Reason
Rivers State Government has explained why the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt was not made available for a political event linked to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The government said reports claiming it blocked the use of the stadium for the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors are not true. It described the claims as “false and misleading” and driven by politics.
Officials of the state government said the stadium is currently under major reconstruction and is unsafe for public use.
The issue started after the Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Desmond Akawor, alleged that the state government denied his group access to the stadium for its inauguration ceremony.
Akawor made the claim on Friday while addressing supporters at an event held at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Port Harcourt after the stadium could not be used.
The allegation was later repeated by Nyesom Wike at the same event. He warned that if the group is denied access to the stadium again, supporters would force their way in to use the facility.
Following the remarks, the Rivers State Government invited journalists to inspect the stadium to show its current condition.
Speaking after the inspection, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, said the claims had no basis.
He explained that large parts of the stadium are still under construction and cannot safely host any gathering.
According to him, both the pitch and spectator sections are undergoing intensive work and pose serious risks to human life.
Sirawoo said no responsible government would allow people to enter a facility that is still being rebuilt.
He urged political leaders to put the safety of Rivers residents above personal or party interests.
Sirawoo also warned against turning public safety issues into political battles, adding that politics should not override common sense.
He said Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains focused on the development of the state and is not working against President Bola Tinubu, contrary to claims circulating in political circles.
The Commissioner for Sports, Christopher Green, who also serves as Attorney-General of the state, said his ministry never received any official request from the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to use the stadium.
He stressed that any organisation seeking to use government facilities must follow proper procedures.
Green added that the accusation against the government was unfounded, especially since the event was eventually held at Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, which is also owned by the Rivers State Government.
He said this fact alone shows that the government did not attempt to frustrate the pro-Tinubu group.
The site engineer handling the reconstruction work, Michael Ebitenye, also spoke during the inspection.
He warned that allowing people into the stadium now could damage key structures and endanger lives.
Ebitenye said underground pipes beneath the pitch could be destroyed by heavy human movement.
He added that some sections of the stadium, including VIP areas, are unsafe and could cause accidents if accessed.
The engineer said the construction company, Monimichelle, would not permit any event inside the stadium while work is still ongoing.
According to him, opening the facility at this stage would amount to risking lives, regardless of who is organising the event.
The Rivers State Government insisted that its decision was based strictly on safety and not politics.
It urged the public to ignore claims suggesting that the action was targeted at any individual or political group.
SOURCE: Politics Naija
