Wike Threatens Forceful Takeover of Rivers Stadium Over Denied Access
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a strong warning to the Rivers State Government, threatening to forcefully take over the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt if access to the facility is denied again.
Wike made the statement during the inauguration of coordinators of the Renewed Hope Agenda across Rivers State. Speaking before party supporters and political allies, the former Rivers State governor accused the state government of deliberately frustrating the activities of the Renewed Hope Family by refusing approval for the use of the stadium.
According to Wike, organisers of the political programme had formally applied to the Rivers State Government for permission to use the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, but the request was turned down. He described the decision as unacceptable, insisting that public facilities in the state belong to the people and should not be withheld because of political disagreements.
The FCT minister warned that if such a denial happens again, the organisers would not hesitate to gain access to the facility by force. He stressed that no authority has the right to prevent Rivers people from using state-owned infrastructure, adding that political differences should not translate into the restriction of civic or political activities.
Wike’s remarks come amid ongoing political tension in Rivers State, particularly between him and the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Since leaving office as governor and assuming his role in the federal cabinet, Wike has remained a major political force in the state, with deep influence across party lines.
Following the denial of the stadium, the inauguration ceremony was eventually held at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Port Harcourt, another state-owned facility. Governor Fubara and his supporters were noticeably absent from the event, further underlining the deepening political divide within the state.
The threat has sparked fresh reactions across Rivers State and beyond, with critics warning that such statements could inflame tensions and undermine public order. Others, however, argue that Wike’s comments reflect growing frustration over what they describe as the politicisation of public assets.
The Yakubu Gowon Stadium, formerly known as Liberation Stadium, is a major sports and events facility in Port Harcourt and serves as the home ground of Rivers United Football Club. Its use for political events has, in the past, often attracted controversy.
As Rivers State continues to grapple with political instability, observers fear that confrontational rhetoric from key political figures could worsen the situation. Calls have also grown for dialogue and restraint to prevent the crisis from escalating further.
The Rivers State Government has yet to officially respond to Wike’s latest threat, but the development adds another layer to the ongoing struggle for political control and influence in the oil-rich state.
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