The management of De Rainbow Event Centre has denied reports that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, threatened to revoke its operational licence over the hosting of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention.
The denial followed controversy over the venue of the ADC convention held in Abuja on April 14, after party officials claimed that the facility was under pressure to cancel its booking.
The Director of the event centre, Martina Yusuf, dismissed the allegation during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday.
Yusuf said the facility did not receive any threat from the FCT minister, any government official or institution.
She said, “We wish to categorically state that De Rainbow Event Marquee did not receive any threat of license revocation from the Honourable Minister of the FCT or from any other person or government institution.
“These reports were not authorised by us and, to the best of our knowledge, are untrue. They appear to have been circulated without verification.
“Members of the public and the media are therefore urged to disregard the allegation in its entirety and only rely on verified information.”
Yusuf said the clarification became necessary following enquiries from clients who had existing bookings at the facility.
She added that the event centre remained open for business and that all confirmed bookings were still valid.
“This clarification has become necessary following enquiries from clients with existing bookings who are concerned about their scheduled events.
“We confirm that De Rainbow Event Marquee remains open for business and all confirmed bookings remain valid. Providing our clients with a secure and controlled environment is our top priority.
“We are grateful for everyone’s understanding and the trust they have placed in us,” she stated.
ADC Had Alleged Pressure
The controversy began after the ADC leadership under former Senate President, David Mark, alleged that the venue of its convention was under pressure to withdraw its services.
The party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, had claimed in a statement posted on 𝕏 that the management of the centre informed the party of threats from officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority and the FCT minister.
He alleged that the facility risked losing its licence if it hosted the party’s gathering.
Despite the alleged pressure, Abdullahi said the party would go ahead with the convention as scheduled, adding that all financial obligations had been fulfilled and a formal agreement had been reached with the venue.
The denial by the event centre’s management has added a fresh twist to the controversy surrounding the ADC convention.
