Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, has announced an intention to forcibly gain access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium. This declaration comes after claims that the Rivers State Government denied the Renewed Hope Ambassadors permission to use the venue for a rally. During a recent event in Port Harcourt, Wike expressed his frustration with the state government, asserting that their refusal to grant access was unacceptable.
Wike’s remarks were delivered during the inauguration of coordinators for the Renewed Hope Ambassadors across Rivers State. He stated, “We applied to the Rivers State Government for the Yakubu Gowon Stadium. They refused us. But next time we will break it by force.” This rhetoric aimed to rally his supporters, as he emphasized the collective ownership of state facilities by its residents. Referring to the alleged intimidation from the state government, Wike urged his supporters to be bold and persistent in their efforts.
Despite the minister’s assertion, the Rivers State Government has contested Wike’s claims, describing them as unfounded. Honour Sirawoo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, clarified that the stadium is currently undergoing reconstruction, rendering it unsafe for public use. He firmly rejected Wike’s allegations, providing a counter-narrative that focused on the ongoing redevelopment of the facility.
Wike also assured his supporters that logistical support would be provided for their campaigns, declaring that each ward would receive vehicles to facilitate their efforts toward the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.
