By: Awajis Josiah-Chijindu
The Rivers State Government has dismissed claims that it rejected an application by the Rivers State chapter of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors to use the Yakubu Gowon Stadium for its inauguration.
Addressing journalists during an inspection tour of the facility currently undergoing reconstruction, the Coordinating Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Christopher Green, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, stated that no formal request was received from any individual or group seeking to use the stadium.
Barrister Green, who also serves as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, explained that aside from the absence of any application, the stadium remains an active construction site and is therefore unsuitable for hosting any event.
“I have not received any application from anybody to use this facility. And everyone in Rivers State is aware that the Yakubu Gowon Stadium is under reconstruction,” he said.
He noted that the reconstruction contract was awarded to Messrs Monimichelle to upgrade the stadium to meet FIFA and World Athletics standards, adding that the facility poses significant safety risks in its current state.
“This is a work zone. The main bowl has over 40,000 pipes underneath, making it impossible and unsafe for any activity. You cannot step on it, let alone host an event here,” Green stressed.
The commissioner further challenged claims that an application was submitted and rejected, insisting that no such correspondence exists.
“If anyone claims that an application was received and rejected, let them provide proof. I have not seen any such letter,” he added.
Barrister Green also pointed out that alternative government-owned facilities, including the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium and the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, remain open for public use, stressing that the state government does not restrict access to its facilities without just cause.
“We are not the kind of people that will stop anyone from using government facilities. If we had stopped them, how come they used the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, which is also a government facility?” he asked.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, reiterated the state government’s commitment to initiatives that promote development and political stability in Rivers State.
He emphasized that the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains firmly supportive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and any genuine effort aimed at advancing his Renewed Hope agenda.
“If there is any governor at the forefront of supporting Mr President, it is the Governor of Rivers State. He has been open and consistent about his support and commitment to ensuring victory for the President in Rivers State in the 2027 general elections,” Sirawoo stated.
He further confirmed that checks with the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Government House, and the Ministry of Sports revealed that no application for the use of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium was received by any of the offices.
“This facility is under construction and clearly not fit for use. There was no letter requesting its use. However, the venue used for the programme is government property and was freely available,” he explained.
Dr Sirawoo concluded by reaffirming the government’s openness to all initiatives that contribute to the development of Rivers State and the success of the federal administration.
“We are 100 per cent committed to the re-election of Mr President, 100 per cent committed to anything that bring glory to Rivers State, and 100 per cent committed to the development of Rivers State,” he said.
The site engineer, Engr Michael Ebitenye who conducted a team of Journalists round the site explained that the facility was not safe for usage, given the volume of works being done and associated ongoing excavation.
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