The Rivers State Government has rejected claims by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that it denied a pro-Tinubu political group access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, insisting that the facility is currently under reconstruction and unsafe for public use.
The dispute followed a political rally held in Port Harcourt by the Renewed Hope Family, a group mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election. Speaking at the event, Wike alleged that organisers were prevented from using the Yakubu Gowon Stadium after their request was allegedly turned down by the state government.
In response, the state’s coordinating commissioner for sports said no formal application was received from the group or any of its representatives, stressing that relevant authorities were never approached for approval to use the stadium.
He explained that the stadium is undergoing extensive reconstruction works aimed at upgrading it to international standards, adding that the main playing area has been excavated and fitted with underground installations that make it dangerous for gatherings or events.
According to the state government, the stadium remains a restricted construction zone and cannot host any activity until the rehabilitation work is completed, warning that allowing access would pose serious safety risks to the public.
Officials further noted that other government-owned facilities across the state remain open for use, pointing out that the rally itself was successfully held at a public institution, which they said contradicts claims of deliberate obstruction by the state authorities.
