By Muhammad Mamman
The Rivers State Government has explained why former governor Nyesom Wike and his loyalists were not granted access to the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium for a pro-President Bola Tinubu rally held in Port Harcourt on Monday.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, the state government said the decision was based strictly on security assessments and compliance with event protocols, not politics or personal vendetta.
According to the government, only groups and organisers that formally applied for, and received, approval to use the stadium were permitted entry. It added that security agencies advised against admitting unauthorised persons or factions whose presence could heighten tensions and disrupt public order.
“The state government has a responsibility to ensure the safety of lives and property,” the statement said. “Access to the stadium was restricted to duly accredited organisers and participants, in line with security advice.”
The government dismissed claims that the action was targeted at Mr Wike or any political bloc, stressing that the same rules applied to all individuals and groups without exception.
It further urged political actors to conduct their activities peacefully and in accordance with the law, warning that Rivers State would not tolerate actions capable of breaching public peace.
The rally, organised by pro-Tinubu supporters, went ahead under heavy security presence amid heightened political tensions in the state following the fallout between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Mr Wike.
Rivers State officials reiterated that public facilities would continue to be managed in a neutral manner, guided by security considerations and the rule of law rather than partisan interests.
