Rivers Govt Denies Barring Pro-Tinubu Rally, Says Yakubu Gowon Stadium Unsafe

 

The Rivers State Government has refuted claims that it barred a proposed Renewed Hope Ambassadors rally at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, describing the allegation as false, misleading and capable of fuelling avoidable political tension in the state.

The government explained that the stadium was not denied for political reasons but is presently unsafe for public use due to ongoing reconstruction works, stressing that no formal application was received for the use of the facility.

Addressing journalists on Friday during an inspection tour of the stadium complex, the Coordinating Commissioner for Sports and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Chris Green, challenged those making the allegation to produce evidence of any application allegedly rejected by the state.

“The Yakubu Gowon Stadium is currently an active construction site. Heavy-duty equipment, sensitive installations and major engineering works are ongoing. I have not received any application whatsoever. Anyone claiming otherwise should present proof,” Green said.

He disclosed that the stadium is undergoing extensive reconstruction by Monimichelie Sports Construction Company, aimed at upgrading the facility to meet FIFA and World Athletics standards.

According to him, the scale and technical nature of the project render the stadium extremely unsafe for public gatherings at this stage.

Green revealed that more than 40,000 pipes have already been installed beneath the pitch as part of the drainage and hydrological systems, warning that the surface remains fragile and unfit for human traffic.

“Given the magnitude of work ongoing, it would be unreasonable for anyone to request the use of this stadium now. Safety remains paramount and cannot be compromised for any reason,” he added.

The Attorney-General further stated that the Rivers State Government has continued to make other public facilities available for political, social and civic engagements, noting that there was no deliberate attempt to obstruct any rally.

“If the intention was to stop political activities, facilities such as the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium and the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic would not be open. Rivers State Government does not deny legitimate access to public infrastructure,” he said.

Technical experts handling the project also supported the government’s position. An engineer with Monimichelie Sports Construction Company, Michael Ebitenye, said the reconstruction work was about 55 per cent completed and currently at a highly sensitive mechanical stage.

Ebitenye warned that unrestricted access to the pitch could cause severe and irreversible damage to critical components of the FIFA-standard facility.

“We are installing delicate mechanical, hydrological and geotextile systems. Heavy human movement on the pitch at this stage can destroy the entire drainage network,” he said.

He added that public access to the stadium is prohibited under the project’s insurance policy until completion and formal handover, stressing that the restriction has no political undertone but is strictly guided by safety considerations.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to peace, unity and inclusive development.

Sirawoo disclosed that checks across relevant government offices, including the Office of the Secretary to the State Government and other key ministries, confirmed that no application was submitted for the use of the stadium.

“There is no letter anywhere. Allegations without evidence are dangerous and capable of damaging the image and cohesion of the state,” he said.

He urged political actors to exercise restraint and avoid provocative narratives, noting that alternative government-owned facilities, including the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, remain available for legitimate events.

“We have no reason to stop anyone with genuine intentions for the state or the President. Rivers State is too important for needless political drama,” Sirawoo added.

The Permanent Secretary assured that the administration of Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara would continue to approve requests for the use of public facilities for activities that promote peace, development and the collective interest of Rivers people, while ensuring safety and public order.