By Eunice Orike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that more than 70,000 people will turn out to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his visit to Rivers State on Saturday.
Speaking after inspecting the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Wike said residents of the state were enthusiastic about receiving the President and that preparations for the visit were progressing smoothly.
“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 been covered in terms of preparation and decorations,” he said.
Wike explained that the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium was chosen for the reception because of its larger capacity of about 40,000 seats, compared to the approximately 16,000-seat capacity of the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.
Despite the official capacity of the venue, he said organizers are expecting more than 70,000 supporters and have made arrangements to accommodate those who may not gain access to the main bowl of the stadium.
Responding to questions about whether the projected turnout would be achieved, Wike maintained that he remained highly confident of a massive crowd.
“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,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Rainbow Coalition, Desmond Akawor, led a roadshow across major roads in and around Port Harcourt to mobilize residents ahead of the visit.
The motorcade ended at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, where final preparations were ongoing for the presidential reception.
Wike also assured residents that adequate security and logistical measures had been put in place to ensure a peaceful and successful event.
The visit is expected to mark President Tinubu’s return to Rivers State in his capacity as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
