The Rivers State Government has rejected allegations that it barred the use of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, for a Renewed Hope Ambassadors rally, describing the claims as misleading, politically driven and capable of creating unnecessary tension in the state.
The government clarified that the stadium was not denied for political reasons but remains unavailable because it is currently undergoing major reconstruction and poses serious safety risks to the public.
Speaking on Friday, while leading journalists on an inspection tour of the facility, the Coordinating Commissioner for Sports, who is also the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Chris Green, stated that no official request was ever submitted for the use of the stadium.
Green challenged those making the allegations to produce evidence of any application that was rejected, stressing that the stadium is presently an active construction site filled with heavy equipment and sensitive installations.
He explained that the ongoing renovation, being executed by Monimichelie Sports Construction Company, is designed to upgrade the stadium to international standards set by FIFA and World Athletics.
According to him, the pitch alone has thousands of underground installations that make it unsafe for any form of gathering.
“The stadium is clearly a work zone. There are heavy machines, buried pipes and fragile systems everywhere. Allowing people in at this stage would be extremely dangerous,” he said.
Green added that the state government has not restricted political or public activities, noting that other government-owned facilities, including the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium and the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, remain open and accessible for events.
He argued that if there was any intention to prevent rallies, alternative venues would not have been made available.
Technical officers at the site also confirmed the safety concerns. An engineer with the construction firm, Michael Ebitenye, disclosed that the project was about 55 per cent completed and had entered a highly sensitive phase involving mechanical and hydrological systems.
Ebitenye warned that human traffic on the pitch could damage the drainage and geotextile layers, adding that the project’s insurance cover forbids public access until completion and formal handover.
He emphasised that the restriction was strictly professional and safety-related, not political.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to peace, unity and development.
Sirawoo said investigations across relevant government offices, including the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, confirmed that no application was received for the use of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.
He cautioned political actors against making unverified claims that could undermine public confidence and harmony in the state, stressing that Rivers State remains open to lawful political activities.
According to him, any properly submitted request for the use of government facilities for peaceful and development-oriented events would always receive due consideration.
He added that the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains focused on governance, safety and stability across the state.
