Wike Threatens to Break Stadium for Political Rallies if Rivers Govt Denies Him Access

The political crisis in Rivers State may escalate following a threat by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to forcibly gain access to a stadium for political rallies if the state government denies him approval.

Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, reportedly made the statement while addressing supporters, warning that he would not accept any restriction placed on the use of public facilities for political activities.

According to him, stadiums are public assets built with taxpayers’ money and should not be denied to any political group or individual on partisan grounds. He accused the Rivers State Government of attempting to suppress opposition voices by denying access to venues for rallies.

“If they lock the stadium, I will break it,” Wike was quoted as saying, a remark that has since sparked widespread reactions across the state and beyond.

The threat has raised concerns among residents and political observers, who fear it could worsen the already tense relationship between Wike and the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The Rivers State Government has yet to officially respond to the statement, but sources within the government said approvals for the use of public facilities are subject to security assessments and laid-down procedures, not political vendetta.

Civil society groups and security analysts have called for restraint, urging political leaders to avoid statements capable of inciting violence or damaging public infrastructure.

As tensions continue to rise, security agencies are said to be monitoring the situation closely to prevent any breakdown of law and order in the state.