Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed strong confidence that Rivers State residents will turn out in large numbers to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, anticipating an attendance of over 70,000 supporters at the 40,000 seating capacity Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
Speaking with journalists after inspecting the venue ahead of the President’s scheduled Saturday visit, Wike emphasized that public enthusiasm across the state is exceptionally high.
“Rivers people are very enthusiastic to receive him tomorrow, and that’s why we’ve come here to see… you can attest to the fact that several avenues and streets have gone by in terms of preparation, in terms of the decorations,” Wike stated.
Highlighting the scope of the reception, Wike noted that while smaller venues such as the Yakubu Gowon Stadium accommodate roughly 16,000 people, the primary 40,000-seating capacity Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium was chosen to handle the heavy crowd.
Despite the stadium’s fixed seating limit, organizers project an overall turnout exceeding 70,000 attendees, with overflow areas prepared to accommodate additional supporters.
Ahead of the event, the coordinator of the Rivers State Rainbow Coalition, Ambassador Desmond Akawor,
led a roadshow across major roads within and outside the state capital.
In the show of preparedness and mobilisation, more than 80 campaign buses meant for the APC and PDP in all the local government areas in Rivers State as well as coordinators were driven round major streets of Port Harcourt before proceeding to the stadium.
The roadshow, which terminated at the stadium, was aimed at creating awareness and building excitement ahead of the President’s visit, as campaign supporters took the message of the rally across the city.
Addressing questions regarding past political events where venue capacities were not met, Wike dismissed doubts about reaching the expected numbers.
“It’s not about how certain. I’ve told you that Rivers men and women are enthusiastic to receive Mr. President, and I can tell you I’m very confident, very confident,” Wike asserted, adding that security and logistical arrangements are fully in place for a smooth event.
Wike said; “We are highly elated to receive Mr President. Rivers people are very enthusiastic to receive him tomorrow. That is why we have come here to see how prepared we are.
“The last time the President visited here was when I was in office as governor, when he was President-elect. He came and commissioned projects.
“This appears to be the second coming and the first since he was sworn in as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. So, we will say that we are very highly elated to receive him”.
The former Rivers governor said he was satisfied with the level of preparations, particularly the decorations, organisation and security arrangements at the venue.
He challenged observers to assess the preparations, expressing confidence that Rivers State would deliver a befitting reception for the President.
“You can attest to the fact that, I don’t know how many states you have gone to, but in terms of organisation, decorations and all that, you will give us a pass mark. It is a lovely place, and we believe that the weather is the best to receive the President tomorrow,” he said.
On the expected attendance, Wike disclosed that the venue had a sitting capacity of 40,000, compared with the 16,000-capacity Yakubu Gowon Stadium, where candidates of the Rainbow Coalition were unveiled the previous week.
