Ogun denies Atiku access to the stadium for a rally
The People's Democratic Party's request to use the MKO Abiola International Stadium for the rally of its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was rejected by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Ogun State.< /p>
The PDP had requested this in a letter to the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports on January 3, 2023, ahead of the planned rally on January 19.
In the letter signed by Secretary of State Sunday Solarin, the PDP recalled that a previous request for use of the stadium had not been compelled by the state government.
The letter said in part: "It is relevant to mention that the use of this Crown asset was requested in April 2022 in a letter dated April 5, 2022 requesting the use of installation for the conduct of the primary of our party.
Surprisingly, our humble request has been held in abeyance thus far, resulting in a tactical denial. While we would like to put this unwarranted denial behind us, we wish to vehemently emphasize that the use of state assets should be for the benefit of all citizens, regardless of their leanings.
"We are therefore writing to you again formally requesting the use of this facility for the purpose and on the date set forth above."
In response to the party's latest request, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in a letter dated January 10, 2023, stated that the stadium could not be made available.
According to the Permanent Secretary's Director of Administration and Supply, I.A Kuforiji, the stadium was undergoing a major renovation.
The letter read: "Following your letter dated January 3, 2023, with respect to the above subject, I have a directive to inform you that the MKO Abiola International Stadium is undergoing a major renovation spectators' seats and other important areas within the premises.
"As we all know that high profile people in society need to be present and the facility is not yet in good condition to host events until it is finished and ready to use.< /p>
"In this regard, the ministry would not be able to grant your request for the above reason."
The letter comes amid a report that the same stadium hosted a football match in the Iseya Cup competition on Sunday.
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The People's Democratic Party's request to use the MKO Abiola International Stadium for the rally of its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, was rejected by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Ogun State.< /p>
The PDP had requested this in a letter to the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports on January 3, 2023, ahead of the planned rally on January 19.
In the letter signed by Secretary of State Sunday Solarin, the PDP recalled that a previous request for use of the stadium had not been compelled by the state government.
The letter said in part: "It is relevant to mention that the use of this Crown asset was requested in April 2022 in a letter dated April 5, 2022 requesting the use of installation for the conduct of the primary of our party.
Surprisingly, our humble request has been held in abeyance thus far, resulting in a tactical denial. While we would like to put this unwarranted denial behind us, we wish to vehemently emphasize that the use of state assets should be for the benefit of all citizens, regardless of their leanings.
"We are therefore writing to you again formally requesting the use of this facility for the purpose and on the date set forth above."
In response to the party's latest request, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in a letter dated January 10, 2023, stated that the stadium could not be made available.
According to the Permanent Secretary's Director of Administration and Supply, I.A Kuforiji, the stadium was undergoing a major renovation.
The letter read: "Following your letter dated January 3, 2023, with respect to the above subject, I have a directive to inform you that the MKO Abiola International Stadium is undergoing a major renovation spectators' seats and other important areas within the premises.
"As we all know that high profile people in society need to be present and the facility is not yet in good condition to host events until it is finished and ready to use.< /p>
"In this regard, the ministry would not be able to grant your request for the above reason."
The letter comes amid a report that the same stadium hosted a football match in the Iseya Cup competition on Sunday.
Please share this story:
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