The Rivers State Government has denied claims that it refused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his supporters access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, for a political rally on Friday.
Naija News reports that the state government clarified that the facility is currently undergoing major reconstruction and is unsafe for public use.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Honour Sirawoo, the government described the allegation by Wike as false and misleading.
“The stadium is undergoing reconstruction and is not safe for use,” the statement, titled ‘Rivers State Govt Denies Blocking Pro-Tinubu Group from Using Yakubu Gowon Stadium’, read.
Earlier at the rally, which was eventually held at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, Wike had accused the state government of frustrating the event by denying access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.
“We applied to the state government for the General Yakubu Gowon Stadium. They refused us,” Wike said, warning, “Next time, if you don’t approve it, we will break it by force.”
No Official Request Received — Green
However, the Commissioner for Sports and Attorney-General of the State, Professor Christopher Green, stated that his office did not receive any formal application for the use of the stadium.
He noted that the alternative venue eventually used by the pro-Tinubu group, the Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, is also a state-owned facility.
According to Michael Ebitenye, the site engineer supervising the reconstruction, the stadium’s pitch has delicate underground pipes vulnerable to damage from heavy foot traffic.
He also highlighted hazards in the VIP and other seating areas, saying the entire facility was unfit for use.
Green added that the contractor, Monimichelle, had advised against use of the stadium for any event until renovations are completed, regardless of political affiliation.
🔎Stay updated: Set Mc Ebiscoo as a favorite source on Google to catch our stories first.
Favor is power above all obstacles. You will either need favor to move up in life or favor to stay up in many areas of life. Silent spiritual and beneficial power of favor for success, progress, attractive and enviable positions in life, at workplace, undertakings, business, politics, profession, leadership matters, kingship tussle, fame, power, people/crowd, etc. Get healings, spiritual prevention/protection. Overcome delay, rejection, envy, disfavor and achieve desires. For spiritual consultation, guidance, solutions, other matters, call/Whatsapp Dr. Faros on 07030514063. Powerful results, no side effect. All power to God.