By P/Harcourt Daniel Abia
If Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike follows through on his threat to forcibly enter Yakubu Gowon Stadium in the event that the state government continues to deny him permission to host political rallies, the situation shaking Rivers State could turn violent.
Declaring that “heaven will not fall” if the facility is violated, Wike said on Friday that he and his followers would storm the stadium for their next rally if the Rivers State Government persisted in its position.
During the inauguration of senatorial and local government coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a group established to promote President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in advance of the 2027 general elections, he gave the warning in Port Harcourt.
“The state government rejected our request to use Yakubu Gowon Stadium.” Wike stated, “If we apply the next time and they reject us once more, we will break it and nothing will happen.”
The minister asserted that Rivers State will continue to lead others in showcasing support for the President, boasting that the state was leading the way in political mobilization.
“I understand that other states may open their own buildings after today, but Rivers State will always be at the forefront. We have demonstrated our commitment with deeds, not just words of support,” he continued.
Wike announced that ward-level inaugurations would follow the official start of political activity ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I promised to start playing politics by January. January is here, and we’ve already begun. He emphasized, “We will break it if you don’t give us the venue.”
Additionally, he questioned the state government’s resolve to back President Tinubu till 2027.
“You cannot have a governor in the state while you are not in agreement and we are publicly endorsing President Tinubu.” Wike questioned, “So how do you expect a reward?”
He contends that devotion, not money, determines political reward. “You don’t require ₹600 billion. Commitment is all you need. That is what provides reward, even if it creates envy,” he said.
Wike further acknowledged that the demonstration was a coalition effort and praised President Tinubu for aiding the Ijaw alliance in fielding candidates for the February 21 by-elections in Khana Constituency II and Ahoada West Constituency II.
“I informed you that politics will begin in January. Vote by February 21. He said, “We are supplying buses and making sure that the Renewed Hope agenda is properly mobilized.”
Speaking as well, Senator George Sekibo thanked President Tinubu for his appointments and projects and assured him of Rivers State’s continuing support.
“No president has appointed Rivers indigenous people and started projects of this size.” “Tell the President how appreciative we are,” Sekibo stated.
Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Okey Chinda, speaking on behalf of the National Assembly caucus, reiterated support for Tinubu and backed his 2027 reelection campaign.
“In 2027, we’ll do better than we did in 2023. Chinda stated that political changes in Rivers State were unusual in Nigeria and that “politics is give and take.”
Tony Okocha, the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Martins Amaehula, the speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, both promised to back Tinubu.
