Port Harcourt — The Rivers State Government has dismissed claims that it denied the use of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, for a proposed Renewed Hope Ambassadors rally, describing the allegation as false, politically motivated, and capable of creating unnecessary tension in the state.
The government clarified that the decision had nothing to do with politics, but was based strictly on public safety concerns, as the stadium is currently undergoing extensive reconstruction and is unsafe for public gatherings.
Addressing journalists during a guided tour of the stadium on Friday, January 30, 2026, the Coordinating Commissioner for Sports, who also serves as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Chris Green, said no formal application was ever submitted for the use of the facility.
“The Yakubu Gowon Stadium is a work zone. There is ongoing construction, heavy-duty equipment, and sensitive installations everywhere. I have not received any application, and if anyone claims otherwise, let them show proof,” Green said.
He explained that the reconstruction project, being executed by Monimichelie Sports Construction Company, is aimed at upgrading the stadium to meet FIFA and World Athletics standards.
According to Green, more than 40,000 pipes have been installed beneath the main pitch alone, making the surface extremely fragile and unsafe for any form of mass human activity.
“It would be unreasonable for anyone to attempt to use this stadium under such conditions,” he added, noting that the state government has continued to make alternative venues available for political and public events.
He cited facilities such as the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium and the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic as examples of venues open for use.
“If the intention was to stop a rally, why are other government facilities available? Rivers State does not restrict access to public facilities,” Green stated.
Technical experts at the site also corroborated the safety concerns. An engineer with the construction firm, Michael Ebitenye, disclosed that the project is about 55 per cent completed and currently at a highly delicate mechanical stage.
Ebitenye warned that the ongoing installation of hydrological systems and geotextile layers could suffer irreversible damage from human traffic, adding that the site’s insurance policy strictly prohibits public access until completion and official handover.
“Any heavy movement on the pitch can destroy the entire drainage network of this FIFA-standard facility. It is not safe for public use,” he said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to peace, unity, and development.
Sirawoo urged political actors to avoid provocative claims and exercise restraint, stressing that the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, a government-owned facility, remains readily available for use.
“We have no reason to stop anyone with genuine intentions for the state or for the President. Rivers State is too important for needless political drama,” he said.
He disclosed that checks 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.
“There is no letter. Allegations without evidence can harm the image and cohesion of the state,” Sirawoo added.
The Permanent Secretary assured that any request for government facilities for events that promote peace, development, and the interest of Rivers State would always receive due consideration, noting that the administration of Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara remains focused on governance delivery and maintaining a peaceful atmosphere in the state.
