The Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt is currently undergoing construction, a development cited by the Rivers State Government as the reason it was not released for the Renewed Hope rally in the state.
During the rally held in Port Harcourt on Friday, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, claimed that organizers applied to use the stadium but their request was denied by the state government.
Wike stated that the group would reapply for the facility and warned that they would take possession of it by force if access is denied again.
However, investigations by Elanhub reveal that the Yakubu Gowon Stadium is indeed under construction. Further findings indicate that the state government’s decision to restrict events at the venue was based on safety concerns arising from the ongoing renovation work.
As of the time of filing this report, the Rivers State Government has yet to officially respond to the allegations made by the FCT Minister.
