Headline
Rivers Govt Denies Blocking Pro-Tinubu Group From Using Stadium
The Rivers State Government has dismissed claims that it denied the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Desmond Akawor, access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, for the inauguration of a political support group for President Bola Tinubu.
Akawor had alleged on Friday that the state government blocked the group from using the stadium for the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors.
He made the allegation while addressing supporters during the group’s inauguration ceremony held at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Port Harcourt.
The claim was later reinforced by the FCT Minister, who, in his remarks at the event, warned that if access to the facility is denied again, supporters of the group would forcibly gain entry to use the stadium.
Reacting to the allegations, the Rivers State Government described them as false and misleading, explaining that the Yakubu Gowon Stadium is currently undergoing reconstruction and is unsafe for public use.
Speaking to journalists on Friday evening after an inspection tour of the facility, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, said the allegation had no basis.
Sirawoo, who toured the stadium alongside the Commissioner for Sports, Christopher Green, under the guidance of the site engineer, said the level of ongoing reconstruction made it impossible for any group to use the facility at this time.
The permanent secretary advised political leaders in the state to place the interest of Rivers State above political ambitions, noting that there is life after politics.
He said that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains committed and is at the forefront of efforts to ensure the re-election of President Tinubu.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Sports, who serves as the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Christopher Green, said his office did not receive any formal request for the use of the stadium.
Green described the allegation as baseless, noting that even the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, where the inauguration was eventually held, is a Rivers State Government–owned facility.
The site engineer, Michael Ebitenye, who led government officials on the inspection tour, said the stadium is currently in a delicate condition, warning that heavy human traffic could damage underground pipes beneath the pitch.
He also spoke of the serious safety hazards in the VIP sections and other areas under reconstruction.
Ebitenye stressed that the contracting firm, Monimichelle, remains committed to the safety of lives and property and would not permit the use of facilities undergoing renovation for any event, regardless of political affiliation.
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasiru El-Rufai has honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, was earlier invited for questioning over alleged corruption linked to his administration.
He arrived the EFCC headquarters with hundreds of his supporters.
Recall that the former governor refused arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday last week.
In a series of interviews granted after the airport drama, El-Rufai accused the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu of orchestrating the attempted arrest.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appointed His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara, as the new and 6th Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), ushering in a new era of leadership for the institution.
This appointment, according to a statement signed on Sunday, 15th February 2026, by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mr Emmanuel Fanu, follows the completion of the tenure of Professor Gbolahan Elias, who served meritoriously as the 5th Chancellor of the university.
According to the statement, the new Chancellor’s appointment takes effect from Friday, February 13, 2026, for a single term of five years, renewable once.
“The appointment is made pursuant to the provisions of the Lagos State University Law 2004 (As amended), Chapter L69, Volume 7, Schedule 1, which empowers the Visitor to appoint the Chancellor of the University.
“His Majesty’s appointment is for a single term of Five years, effective from Friday, 13th February 2026, and is renewable once.
“The Pro-Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor warmly congratulate HRM Oba (Dr) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo on this distinguished appointment and look forward to his impactful leadership in advancing the vision and mission of Lagos State University.”
Oba Ogunsanwo, a respected traditional ruler and accomplished scholar, brings to the role decades of leadership experience, academic exposure, and community service. His selection is seen as a strategic move aimed at leveraging his wealth of knowledge and influence to further position LASU as a leading centre of excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.
LASU Pro-Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor warmly congratulate HRM, Oba Ogunsanwo on this distinguished appointment, and look forward to his impactful leadership in advancing the vision and mission of Lagos State University.
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has asked a former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, to produce any evidence in his possession that proves the alleged procurement of a toxic chemical to the Department of State Services (DSS) for investigation.
This follows a petition addressed to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in which El-Rufai alleged that about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate had been sourced from a supplier in Poland.
Thallium sulphate is a highly toxic, colourless and odourless substance capable of causing death in small quantities.
In a response dated February 13, 2026, and signed by a brigadier-general, O.M. Adesuyi, on behalf of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the NSA’s office denied the claim and said the matter had been handed over to the DSS.
“I have the honour to… acknowledge receipt of Your Excellency’s correspondence received on 11 February 2026 requesting clarification regarding the alleged procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA),” the letter said.
The response added that the allegation had also suggested that information on the purported transaction was available to leaders of the political opposition.
In its reply, ONSA stated that it had no involvement in the alleged transaction.
“I am directed to respectfully convey that ONSA has neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of such material, and has no intention of doing so,” the letter read.
However, the NSA’s office confirmed that the allegation had been formally referred to the DSS for a detailed probe.
“I am further directed to state that the allegation has been formally referred to the Department of State Services for a comprehensive investigation,” the letter stated.
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