Wike warns Rivers Govt over stadium denial, says “Heaven will not fall”

Political tension in Rivers State may intensify following a warning by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, that his supporters could forcefully gain access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium if the Rivers State Government continues to deny them the venue for political rallies.

Wike gave the warning on Friday in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of senatorial and local government coordinators of the renewed hope ambassadors, an event organised in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 general elections. He declared that “heaven will not fall” if the stadium is broken.

According to him, his group had formally applied to the state government for permission to use the stadium but was denied access, a development he described as unprecedented. Wike maintained that due process was followed, yet approval was not granted.

He said, “we applied to the state government to use the Yakubu Gowon Stadium and they refused. Next time, if we apply and they refuse again, we will break it and nothing will happen,” indicating a readiness to challenge the restriction.

The minister also boasted that Rivers State was setting the pace in political mobilisation and would continue leading in showing support for President Tinubu. He questioned the state government’s commitment to the President, asking, “You cannot have a governor in the state while we are openly declaring support for President Tinubu and you are not aligning. How then do you expect a reward?”

Wike stressed that political reward is tied to loyalty and commitment rather than financial strength, saying, “You don’t need N600 billion. All you need is commitment. That is what brings reward, even if it brings envy.”

He further revealed that the rally was a coalition effort and thanked President Tinubu for supporting the Ijaw coalition in producing candidates for the February 21 by-elections in Khana Constituency II and Ahoada West Constituency II. Encouraging mobilisation, he said, “I told you January is when politics will start. By February 21, go out and vote. We will give out the buses and ensure proper mobilisation for the Renewed Hope agenda.”

Also speaking, Senator George Sekibo assured President Tinubu of continued support from Rivers State and expressed appreciation for appointments and projects, noting that no President had embarked on projects of such magnitude while also appointing Rivers indigenes. He said, “No President has embarked on projects of this magnitude while also appointing Rivers indigenes. Tell the President we are grateful.”

On behalf of the National Assembly caucus, minority leader of the House of Representatives, Okey Chinda, reaffirmed support for Tinubu and endorsed his re-election bid, stating, “What we did in 2023 will be better in 2027. Politics is give and take,” while adding that political developments in Rivers State were unprecedented in Nigeria.