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| Nyesom Wike |
PORT HARCOURT – The political temperature in Rivers State reached a boiling point on Friday as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, issued a stern warning to the state government. Wike declared that he and his supporters would forcibly enter the Yakubu Gowon Stadium for future rallies if they continue to be denied official access.
Addressing a massive crowd during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors a group mobilising support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election—Wike expressed fury over the state's refusal to grant his team use of the facility. The event, which was originally intended for the stadium, was moved to the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic after the Rivers State Government reportedly blocked the venue.
The former governor did not mince words, describing the denial as an unprecedented act of political intimidation. He insisted that as citizens of Rivers State, his group has a right to use state-owned facilities.
“We applied to the state government to use the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, and they refused. Next time, if we apply and they refuse again, we will break it, and nothing will happen,” Wike told the cheering crowd.
Dismissing any fears of legal or physical consequences, the Minister added: “Heaven will not fall. Even if heaven falls, everywhere will still be at peace.”
In a swift rebuttal, the Rivers State Government denied claims of political sabotage. Through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Honour Sirawoo, the government maintained that the stadium is currently a construction site and is physically unsafe for large public gatherings.
The Commissioner for Sports, Christopher Green, further clarified that the facility is undergoing essential repairs. However, Wike’s camp viewed the explanation as a "convenient excuse" to stifle the activities of the Renewed Hope movement, which has seen several political heavyweights in the state align with the APC and President Tinubu.
The standoff is the latest flashpoint in the fractured relationship between Wike and his successor, **Governor Siminalayi Fubara**. Despite various peace accords, the two leaders remain locked in a battle for the political soul of the oil-rich state.
Wike boasted that Rivers State remains the leader in political mobilisation for the Presidency, warning that those who do not align with the "Renewed Hope" agenda risk losing out on future political rewards.
“You cannot have a governor in the state while we are openly declaring support for President Tinubu and he is not aligning. How then do you expect a reward?” Wike questioned.