The Rivers State Government has dismissed claims that it denied the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Desmond Akawor, access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, for the inauguration of the Rivers State Renewed Hope Ambassadors.
Both Wike and Akawor had alleged on Friday that the state government denied the group access to the stadium.
However, reacting to the allegation, the state government described it as false and misleading, explaining that the stadium is currently undergoing reconstruction and is unsafe for public use.
Speaking to journalists on Friday evening after an inspection of the facility, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, said the allegation was unfounded.
“The Yakubu Gowon Stadium is presently under reconstruction and cannot be used by any group at this time,” Sirawoo said.
He explained that the level of work ongoing at the facility makes it unsafe for public gatherings and urged political actors to place the interest of the state above partisan considerations, adding that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains committed to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.