RSG Dismisses Rally Ban Claims, Cites Safety Risks At Yakubu Gowon Stadium

The Rivers State Government has dismissed claims that it denied the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Elekahia community for a proposed Renewed Hope Ambassadors Rally, describing the allegation as false, misleading and capable of heightening unnecessary political tension in the state.

The government clarified that the stadium was not denied for political reasons but is currently unsafe for public use due to ongoing reconstruction works, insisting that no formal application was ever submitted for the use of the facility.

Speaking on Friday, January 30, 2026, while leading journalists on an inspection tour of the stadium complex, the Coordinating Commissioner for Sports and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Chris Green, challenged proponents of the claim to produce evidence of any application allegedly rejected by the state.

“The Yakubu Gowon Stadium is an active construction site. There are heavy-duty machines, sensitive installations and ongoing engineering works everywhere. I have not received any application whatsoever, and if anyone claims otherwise, let them present the proof,” Green said.

He explained that the stadium is undergoing extensive reconstruction by Monimichelie Sports Construction Company to upgrade it to meet FIFA and World Athletics standards.

According to him, the scale and technical nature of the project make the facility extremely unsafe for public gatherings at this stage.
Green disclosed that over 40,000 pipes have been installed beneath the main pitch as part of the drainage and hydrological systems, warning that the surface remains fragile and unsuitable for human traffic.

“Given the level of work ongoing, it would be unreasonable for anyone to request the use of this stadium now. Safety is paramount, and we will not compromise it for any reason,” he added.

The Attorney-General further noted that the state government has continued to make other public facilities available for political, social and civic activities, stressing that there was no deliberate attempt to obstruct any rally.

“If the intention was to stop political activities, why are facilities like the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium and the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic open and available? Rivers State Government does not prevent people from using public infrastructure,” he said.

Technical experts working on the project also reinforced the government’s position. An engineer with Monimichelie Sports Construction Company, Michael Ebitenye, revealed that the reconstruction project is about 55 per cent completed and currently at a 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. Any heavy human movement on the pitch at this stage can destroy the entire drainage network.

For this reason, public access is prohibited under the project’s insurance policy until completion and formal handover,” he explained.

He emphasised that the restriction has nothing to do with politics but is strictly guided by safety standards and the need to protect vital infrastructure.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, reaffirmed the commitment of the Rivers State Government to peace, unity and inclusive development.

Sirawoo disclosed that checks conducted across relevant government offices, including the Office of the Secretary to the State Government and other key ministries, confirmed that no application was received for the use of the Yakubu Gowon 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, such as the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, remain available for legitimate events.

“We have no reason to stop anyone with genuine intentions for the state and for 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 maintaining a safe and orderly environment across the state.