The Rivers State Government has reassured Inter-Governmental Organisations (IGOs) of its unwavering commitment to sustaining a peaceful and secure environment that supports partnerships, investments, and inclusive development across the State.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, gave the assurance while declaring open the Rivers Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (RIV-CARES) Phase One Performance Review Retreat held in Onne, Eleme Local Government Area on Friday.

According to a statement signed by the Head, Information and Public Relations Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Juliana Masi, the State Government said that the State remains peaceful and open to partnerships that will accelerate economic growth and sustainable development.

Anabraba noted that collaboration with IGOs remains critical to improving the welfare and living standards of the people of Rivers State.

“Rivers State is peaceful and open for partnerships and investments that will drive growth and development while simultaneously improving the welfare and living standards of our people,” he stated.

The SSG explained that one of the core responsibilities of government is to safeguard the welfare and wellbeing of its citizens through the establishment of effective legal and institutional frameworks that enable the implementation of programmes with direct social impact, particularly for vulnerable groups.

“This responsibility underscores the need for collaboration, partnership, and support from critical stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, individuals, corporate bodies, religious institutions, civil society groups, and the citizens themselves,” he said.

Anabraba described the RIV-CARES programme as a key initiative designed to actualise this objective.

He said the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara is driven by a vision of a greater Rivers State where every citizen, regardless of social status, religion, or geographical location, enjoys the dividends of democracy through the provision of socio-economic projects in a safe, stable, and healthy environment.

The SSG also noted that while “Resilience” in RIV-CARES is associated with human well-being and attributes, it is important to also build a resilient environment through the protection and preservation of the Biological Diversity, to enable it provide food and natural antibiotics against diseases such as the COVID-19 pandemic that led to the initiation of RIV-CARES, which cannot be solved by financial interventions alone.

“This will also help with the mitigation and adaptation to environmental threats such as  climate change and rising sea levels,” he added.

Anabraba commended the Office of the Auditor-General of the State and the State CARES Coordination Unit for organising the retreat to audit and assess the implementation of the RIV-CARES programmes.

Earlier, the Acting Auditor-General of the State, Dr. Yorkina Barisua, emphasised the need to review challenges, consolidate achievements, and strengthen accountability as the state prepares to commence Phase Two of the RIV-CARES programme.

“We are here to assess our challenges and weaknesses, appreciate our successes, audit the programme accounts, and ensure strict adherence to value-for-money principles,” she said.

In his keynote address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Matters and Social Development, and Chairman of the State CARES Steering Committee, Prof. Peter Medee, described the retreat as a vital platform for reflection on achievements, challenges, and strategies for achieving the overall objectives of the programme.

The retreat was attended by the Commissioners for Agriculture, Women Affairs, Commerce and Industry, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, the Accountant-General of the State, as well as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Finance, among other key stakeholders.

The Rivers State Government has dismissed claims that it denied the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, for a Renewed Hope Ambassadors rally, describing the allegation as false, politically motivated and capable of stirring unnecessary tension.

The state government said the decision had nothing to do with politics but was purely based on safety concerns, as the stadium is currently undergoing extensive reconstruction and unfit for public gatherings.

Clarifying the issue, the Coordinating Commissioner for Sports, who also doubles as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Chris Green, said no formal application was ever submitted for the use of the facility.

Speaking while conducting journalists on a tour of the stadium complex last Friday, Green challenged those making the allegation to present evidence of any rejected application, stressing that the facility is presently a high-risk construction site.

“The Yakubu Gowon Stadium is a work zone. There is ongoing construction, heavy-duty equipment and sensitive installations everywhere. I have not received any application, and if anyone claims otherwise, let them show the proof,” he said.

Green explained that the reconstruction, being handled by Monimichelie Sports Construction Company, is aimed at upgrading the facility to meet FIFA and World Athletics standards.

He noted that more than 40,000 pipes are buried beneath the main pitch alone, making the surface extremely fragile and unsafe for crowd activities.

He said it would be unreasonable for anyone to seek to use the stadium under such conditions, adding that the state government has continued to make alternative venues available for political and public events.

“If the intention was to stop any rally, why are other government facilities like the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium and the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic open and available? We do not stop people from using public facilities,” he said.

Technical experts on site also corroborated the safety concerns.

An engineer with the construction firm, Michael Ebitenye, said the project was about 55 per cent completed and currently at a delicate mechanical stage.

He warned that the hydrological systems and geotextile layers being installed could suffer irreversible damage from human traffic, noting that the site’s insurance policy strictly prohibits public access until the project is completed and officially handed over.

“We are at a stage where the mechanical and hydrological components are highly vulnerable. Any heavy movement on the pitch can destroy the entire drainage network of this FIFA-standard facility. It is not safe for public use,” Ebitenye said.

He stressed that the restriction had nothing to do with politics but was strictly about public safety and protecting critical infrastructure.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to unity, peace and development.

Sirawoo said that the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, a government-owned facility, remains readily available for use, and urged political actors to exercise restraint and avoid provocative claims.

“We have no reason to stop anyone with genuine intentions for the state and for the President. Rivers State is too important for needless political drama,” he said.

He disclosed that checks across relevant government offices, including the Office of the Secretary to the State Government and other key ministries, confirmed that no application for the use of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium was received.

“There is no letter. It is not enough to make allegations without evidence, especially when such statements can harm the image and cohesion of the state,” Sirawoo added.

The Permanent Secretary assured that any government facility properly requested for events that promote peace, development and the interest of Rivers State would always be approved, stressing that the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains focused on delivering dividends of governance and maintaining a peaceful environment in the State.