The President-elect, Bola Tinubu, has rejected Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike’s request for a refund for the construction of some federal roads in the state.
On May 3, 2023, Governor Wike invited Tinubu to his state to commission a road project.
During the commissioning, Governor Wike mentioned that the road project along with many others he has embarked upon is the responsibility of the Federal government and that it will be a good thing if upon assuming office, Tinubu refunds the money used to construct the road to the Rivers state government.
He said,
“Unfortunately too, these projects ought to be Federal Government projects because they are federal roads. If we had said because they are Federal Government roads, and we won’t do it. Who are those to suffer? Since we have said we don’t want our people to suffer, I also believe that 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 done these roads. That is what it is supposed to be for a partnership with a good Federal Government. I can assure you as you enter the office and you approve of paying this money back, other states will have the courage to also do the same thing. I am not asking what we are not entitled to. The Federal Government should say you are a true son of this government you have removed shame from us.”
While responding to Governor Wike’s request, Tinubu pointed out that he owes the state nothing and that the government can only do is lobby him to collect the money back.
“The 12th flyover and the demand you made for a 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,” he said.
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