The president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, faulted a request made by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, for the federal government’s refund of money spent on the construction of some federal roads in the state
Tinubu, who spoke while inaugurating the Rumuokwuta-Rumuola Flyover, in Obio/Akpor Council of the state, described Governor Wike as a dependable ally.
While noting how the state had to amend its procurement law to enable it source funds and complete various flyover projects it embarked upon in record time, Wike said the projects undertaken by the state ought to be done by the Federal Government.
He requested that immediately after handover, the president-elect should consider refunding Rivers State the money spent on all the federal roads in the state to his successor, Sim Fubara.
Wike stated, “Unfortunately, these projects ought to be Federal Government projects, because they are federal roads.
“Since we have said we don’t want our people to suffer, I also believe the Federal Government should say, look, you have done well for us. These are projects we should be doing, can you bring your bill, let us refund you the money you have used to do these roads.
“That is what it is supposed to be for partnership with a good Federal Government.
“The governor-elect is here. As I leave office, I will sign all that is required and he will simply pass the papers to you. That will be one of the first things you do when you are sworn in as president on May 29.
“I can assure you, as you take office as president, if you approve to pay this money back, other states will have the courage to also do the same thing,” Wike said
In his response, Tinubu said he owed Wike nothing, and that the governor and his people were using the roads in question.
“For the 12th flyover and the demand you made for refund, I owe you nothing. It is your road.
“You can’t chuckle at me and make a demand. You are the one living on this road. I commend your effort. You have to lobby me to collect it.”
However, while commending Wike for making Rivers people happy with his developmental strides, Tinubu stressed that they should look at how to move the country forward.
The president-elect, nevertheless, promised to have a private discussion with the governor over his request.
