Ahead of the presidential visit to Rivers State, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (Nyesom Wike), has expressed absolute certainty that upwards of 70,000 locals will troop out to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at a major political gathering in Port Harcourt.
Speaking to newsmen following an inspection tour of the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium ahead of the Saturday event, Wike maintained that public enthusiasm across the state remains remarkably high. He noted that while alternative venues like the Yakubu Gowon Stadium hold roughly 16,000 people, the larger 40,000-capacity Adokiye Amiesimaka facility was selected to accommodate the anticipated massive crowds, with extra provisions made for overflow areas.
What are the logistical preparations on ground?
Leading up to the engagement, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, coordinator of the Rivers State Rainbow Coalition, spearheaded a massive roadshow across thoroughfares within and outside the capital city. More than 80 branded campaign buses allocated for political structures across the various local government areas paraded through key streets before heading directly to the venue to ramp up momentum.
Addressing skeptics regarding previous attendance figures at similar political gatherings, Wike brushed aside any doubts concerning crowd turnout.
“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 stated, assuring that adequate security and logistical frameworks had been fully deployed.
Recalling past visits, the former state governor highlighted that this trip represents Tinubu's first official return to the oil-rich state since assuming office as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, following his previous tour as President-elect.
Wike expressed satisfaction with the aesthetic branding, security deployments, and overall coordination, noting that the political event serves as an essential platform for candidates to interface with voters ahead of future electoral cycles.
“We have already made up our minds what to do. We are all for the President. But again, it is one of those rituals that every political season, candidates will come and sell themselves to the people,” he added.