The Rivers State Government has dismissed allegations that it denied the Yakubu Gowon Stadium for a political rally, attributing the decision to safety concerns due to ongoing reconstruction work.
Attorney-General Chris Green stated that no formal application was submitted for the stadium’s use, challenging accusers to provide evidence of a rejected request. He noted the facility is a high-risk construction site, with heavy equipment and sensitive installations.
The stadium’s reconstruction aims to meet FIFA and World Athletics standards, with over 40,000 pipes buried beneath the pitch, making it fragile and unsafe for crowds. Alternative venues, like the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, remain available for events.
Technical experts warned that the site’s hydrological systems and geotextile layers are vulnerable, and public access could cause irreversible damage. The state’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Honour Sirawoo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to unity, peace, and development, urging restraint from provocative claims
