Godwill Akpabio International Stadium formerly known as The Nest of Champions has been making news in the last couple of days for very many reasons that are not unconnected to the battle ahead of 2019 general elections. The 30,000 Seat Capacity Stadium modelled after Alianz Arena in Germany was selected by the APC Stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State as the most appropriate Venue to host President Muhammadu Buhari South South Zonal campaign flag off on the 28th December, 2018.
However, the Stadium which is one the monumental achievements of former Governor, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio is been declined for use by the APC for her zonal campaign flag off for two key reasons; the fact that the Nigeria football league is due to kick off in January and re-grassing of the turf might not be possible due to the non availability of Julius Berger, the company saddled with the responsibility of routine maintenance, having proceeded on vacation.
Interestingly, there have been calls from different segments of the State arguing for and against the decision of the State government to deny Mr President the use of the Stadium, that is considered to be the safest venue that befits such event expected to have in attendance APC faithfuls in excess of 70,000 persons in and around the Stadium.
Also of keen interest, is the claim of non availability of the servicing company. This again has drawn knocks as essential service providers in accordance with best global practices are not expected to shut down services for mere reasons of festivities; hence service department of 🚧 firms are by this Convention expected to have arrangements that enable them provide services at all times. For example, it will be out of place to have media houses, security agencies, road safety, airline Operators, Essential Service department of construction firms, and many more close shop because of yuletide. Therefore, the claim of maintenance constituting an issue is not germane enough and can't sustain arguments to close the stadium against Mr President.
As stated earlier today in radio interview by one of the stakeholders of Mr President's Party, the APC, Mr Umana Okon Umana, has expressed the willingness of the APC to sit down with Akwa Ibom State State government led by Deacon Udom Emmanuel and sort out the concerns raised. This to me, is the right path to take, so as to have an amicable resolution that would facilitate the hosting of Mr President at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium instead of endangering the lives of South South APC faithfuls that will troop into Uyo Township Stadium in an avoidable stamped in this alternative venue suggested by the State government that has very limited capacity.
While it is the exclusive preserve of the State government to hand out the use of any facilities she own, it is imperative, to deny anyone the use of such facilities with tenable reasons and not watery reasons dictated by mere political differences designed to witch hunt, that best serves to heat up the polity which is already tensed up by the gladiators across party lines jostling to outsmart each other.
As Nigerians watch the drama unfolds in the coming days, it's very important to allow good conscience prevail and never allow the situation degenerate to a similar scenario that Played out in Rivers State in the build up to 2015 general elections, where the Presidency had to force it's way into the Port Harcourt Stadium because Rotimi Amaechi was bent on denying His Excellency Goodluck Jonathan the use of the facility. Our democratic growth should begin to manifest political tolerance and display of maturity as against show of might and force to prove whose muscle is thinker, this will continue to expose Nigerian politicians unwillingness to graduate our democracy from the Nascent class.
Meanwhile, I cease this opportunity to welcome Mr President to the South South Geopolitical zone and to Akwa Ibom State in particular.
© Ekwukwo Elvis
Many of Nigerian politicians are still in the shoes of mediocrity. I wonder how a whole president could be denied the use of a stadium in his own domain. Our politicians should shake off all forms of primitives and stop selfish attitudes. May God help us !
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