Wike challenges Rivers govt over stadium denial

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has challenged the Rivers State Government over its refusal to approve the use of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt for a political rally, warning that organisers would forcefully gain access to the facility if denied again.

Wike said the organisers of the Renewed Hope Family rally had applied to use the stadium for Friday’s event but were turned down by the state authorities.

Speaking during the inauguration of Renewed Hope Agenda coordinators across the three senatorial districts and 23 local government areas of the state at Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Port Harcourt, the minister expressed displeasure over the decision.

He warned that any further denial would be resisted.

“We applied to the state government for the use of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.

“They refused us. Let me say this clearly: next time they do this, if you don’t approve it, we will break in by force,” Wike said.

He directed the state coordinator to submit another application for a new date to inaugurate ward-level coordinators, insisting that Rivers residents cannot be barred from using state-owned facilities.

“We are all from Rivers State. Nobody can deny us the use of state facilities.

“If you refuse to grant approval, we will do the needful and take it by force. Heaven will not fall,” he added.

The Rivers State Government has yet to respond to the minister’s remarks.