Rivers Government Clarifies Stadium Access Amid Political Tensions
The Rivers State government has issued a strong rebuttal to allegations made by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike regarding access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt. The government has categorically denied blocking the facility for political activities, instead pointing to ongoing reconstruction work that makes the stadium unsafe for public use.
Government Officials Provide Detailed Explanation
Honour Sirawoo, permanent secretary of the ministry of information and communications, released an official statement dismissing Wike's claims as false. According to the statement issued on Friday, January 30, 2026, the stadium is currently undergoing significant reconstruction that renders it unsuitable for hosting large gatherings.
Christopher Green, who serves as both commissioner for sports and commissioner for justice and attorney-general of Rivers State, provided additional clarification. He revealed that his office never received any formal request for stadium use from Wike's political group. Green emphasized that safety considerations take precedence over political considerations in such matters.
Safety Concerns Take Center Stage
During an inspection tour of the facility, site engineer Michael Ebitenye warned government officials about the delicate condition of the stadium. He specifically cautioned that heavy human traffic could damage underground pipes beneath the pitch, creating serious safety hazards for anyone using the facility.
The contracting firm responsible for the renovation, Monimichelle, has maintained a firm stance on safety protocols. According to Green, the company remains committed to protecting lives and property and will not permit the use of facilities undergoing renovation for any events, regardless of political affiliation or pressure from any quarters.
Political Context and Viral Video
The controversy emerged after Wike, during the inauguration of coordinators for the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors across all 23 Local Government Areas, threatened to force entry into the stadium. In a video that quickly went viral on social media platforms, the former Rivers governor warned that he and his supporters would access the facility by any means necessary if denied official entry.
Wike declared dramatically that "heaven will not fall" if they had to break into the stadium for their next rally. This statement came amid ongoing political tensions between Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, which have been simmering since their relationship deteriorated following political realignments in the state.
Broader Political Implications
The stadium access dispute represents just one facet of the complex political dynamics playing out in Rivers State. Governor Fubara's defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress has created significant friction with Wike, who remains a powerful political figure in the state despite his current position as FCT minister.
This incident follows previous political crises in Rivers State that resulted in emergency rule being declared by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025. While a peace deal was brokered between the two political figures in June 2025, recent developments suggest that tensions remain high and unresolved issues continue to surface in public disputes.
The government's response emphasizes that infrastructure safety and public welfare must remain paramount considerations, even amid heated political disagreements. As reconstruction work continues at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, officials maintain that no political considerations influenced their decision regarding facility access.
