Why Yakubu Gowon Stadium Can’t Be Used, Rivers Govt Replies to Wike’s Allegations and Threat

The Rivers State Government has rejected claims that it blocked a pro-Tinubu political group from using the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, saying the facility is under reconstruction and unsafe for public events.

The dispute followed an allegation by Desmond Akawor, Rivers State coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, who said the group was denied access to the stadium for its inauguration. The event was eventually held at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic.

Speaking at the ceremony on Friday, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, backed the claim and warned that supporters would force entry into the stadium if access was denied again.

In response, state officials said the allegation was unfounded. After inspecting the site on Friday evening, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, told journalists that extensive construction work makes the stadium unsuitable for any gathering.

Sirawoo toured the facility with the Commissioner for Sports, Christopher Green, and the site engineer. He said the level of work in progress leaves no room for public use and urged political actors to avoid actions that could distract from ongoing projects in the state.

Green, who also serves as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, said his office did not receive any formal request to use the stadium. He noted that the polytechnic where the event was held is also owned by the state government.

The site engineer, Michael Ebitenye, explained that parts of the stadium, including underground installations beneath the pitch and sections of the VIP area, pose safety risks due to ongoing reconstruction. He said the contractor, Monimichelle, would not permit the use of the facility for any event while work continues.

State officials maintained that the stadium’s condition, not politics, determined its unavailability.