‘We Will Take It By Force,’ Wike Dares Rivers Govt Over Access To Stadium

Wike’s Confrontation with Rivers Government Over Stadium Access

The political atmosphere in Rivers State has once again been ignited by a dramatic confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Rivers State Government.

On January 30, 2026, Wike, who is also the immediate past governor of Rivers State, openly declared that he and his supporters would “take it by force” if denied access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt for political activities. His remarks came during the inauguration of coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors across the 23 local government areas of the state.

Wike accused the Rivers State Government of deliberately blocking his group from using the stadium for a rally. He insisted that the denial was unjust and vowed that future attempts to restrict access would be met with defiance.

Addressing a crowd at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, he emphasized that Rivers people could not be denied the use of state facilities, asserting that “heaven will never fall” even if they forcefully gained entry. His rhetoric was aimed at emboldening supporters, urging them not to succumb to intimidation and promising logistical support, including vehicles for each ward, to strengthen grassroots mobilization for the Renewed Hope Agenda.

In sharp contrast, the Rivers State Government dismissed Wike’s allegations as baseless. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, clarified that the Yakubu Gowon Stadium was undergoing reconstruction and was unsafe for public use. He described Wike’s claims as misleading, stressing that no group could be allowed to use the facility until repairs were completed.

This clash underscores the deepening political tensions in Rivers State, where Wike’s influence remains strong despite his transition to a federal role. His defiant tone reflects ongoing rivalries and the struggle for political dominance in the state. 

The government’s insistence on safety concerns, however, positions the matter as one of administrative responsibility rather than political exclusion.

The unfolding dispute highlights the fragile balance between political ambition and governance in Rivers State.

Wike’s declaration of forceful entry raises questions about the rule of law and the potential escalation of political conflicts, while the government’s stance emphasizes infrastructural realities and the need for public safety.

As both sides dig in, the issue of stadium access has become symbolic of broader political battles that continue to shape the state’s future.