“We Will Break It” — Wike dares Rivers Govt over stadium access

The simmering political crisis in Rivers State may escalate if Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, carries out his threat to forcefully access the Yakubu Gowon Stadium for a political rally.

Wike issued the warning on Friday in Port Harcourt, declaring that he and his supporters would “break” the facility if the Rivers State Government continues to deny them permission to use the venue for political activities.

The former Rivers State governor spoke during the inauguration of senatorial and local government coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, a political structure formed to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Wike, his group had formally applied to the state government for approval to use the stadium but was turned down, a decision he described as unprecedented and politically motivated.

“We applied to use the Yakubu Gowon Stadium and they refused. If next time we apply and they refuse again, we will break it, and heaven will not fall,” the minister said.

He insisted that Rivers State remained at the forefront of political mobilisation nationwide, boasting that the state would continue to set the pace in demonstrating support for President Tinubu.

“Support is not by mouth. Rivers State has shown commitment through action. Others may follow, but Rivers will always lead,” Wike said.

The minister declared that political activities ahead of future elections had officially begun, noting that ward-level inaugurations would soon follow across the state.

“I told you politics would start in January, and this is January. If they don’t give us the venue, we will break it,” he reiterated.

Wike also questioned the Rivers State Government’s level of commitment to President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that political reward is tied to loyalty and sacrifice rather than financial contribution.

“You don’t need N600 billion. What you need is commitment. Reward comes from commitment, even if it attracts envy,” he said.

He further disclosed that the rally was a coalition-driven effort and thanked President Tinubu for backing the Ijaw coalition in fielding candidates for the February 21 by-elections in Khana Constituency II and Ahoada West Constituency II.

“I told you politics starts in January. On February 21, go out and vote. We will provide buses and ensure full mobilisation for the Renewed Hope agenda,” Wike urged supporters.

Also speaking at the event, Senator George Sekibo assured President Tinubu of sustained political backing from Rivers State, commending him for ongoing projects and appointments given to indigenes of the state.

“No president has embarked on projects of this magnitude while also appointing Rivers people. Tell Mr President we are grateful,” Sekibo said.

Speaking 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.

“What we did in 2023 will be better in 2027. Politics is give and take,” Chinda said, describing political developments in Rivers State as unprecedented.

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in the state, Tony Okocha, also pledged loyalty to President Tinubu.

Former Rivers PDP chairman, Felix Obuah, likewise declared support for the President, while APC chairman Tony Okocha assured that the party had fully mobilised ahead of the 2027 elections.

The coordinators of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Rivers State include Felix Obuah, Boma Iyaye and Marcus Nleji. Highlights of the event included the presentation of brand-new buses to the group to enhance grassroots mobilisation.

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