Why Wike Was Denied Access to Stadium – Governor Fubara

By Paul Joseph

Rivers State Governor Similaye Fubara has clarified the reasons behind the decision not to allow the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt to be used for a political event associated with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.

In response to reports suggesting that his administration blocked access to the stadium for the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Fubara stated that the facility is currently undergoing significant renovations and is unsafe for public gatherings.

He condemned the circulating rumors that the denial was politically motivated, asserting that such claims are untrue.

The governor’s office labeled these allegations as “false and misleading” and politically driven.

The controversy arose after Desmond Akawor, the Rivers State Coordinator for the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, accused the state government of preventing his group from using the stadium for their inauguration ceremony.

Akawor made this assertion during a speech to supporters at Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Port Harcourt after the stadium was unavailable.

Wike echoed this accusation at the same event, threatening that if the group were denied access again, supporters would forcibly enter the stadium.

In light of these comments, the Rivers State Government invited journalists to inspect the stadium to demonstrate its current state. Following the inspection, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, stated that the allegations were baseless.

He explained that significant portions of the stadium are still under construction and cannot safely accommodate any events.

Both the playing field and spectator areas are undergoing extensive work, posing serious safety risks.

Sirawoo emphasized that no responsible government would permit access to a facility still being renovated.

He urged political leaders to prioritize the safety of Rivers residents over personal or party agendas and cautioned against politicizing public safety issues, asserting that common sense should prevail.

He also noted that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is committed to the state’s development and is not acting against President Bola Tinubu, countering claims circulating in political discussions.

Christopher Green, the Commissioner for Sports and Attorney-General of the state, added that his ministry had not received any formal request from the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to use the stadium.

He reiterated that any organization wishing to utilize government facilities must adhere to the appropriate procedures and characterized the accusations against the government as unfounded, especially since the event was ultimately held at Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic.