President-elect, Bola Tinubu has rejected a request made by the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, for a refund of the cost of the construction of some flyovers on federal roads in the state.
Tinubu spoke on Wednesday while inaugurating the Rumuokwuta-Rumuola flyover in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Port Harcourt which is the 12th flyover constructed by Wike’s administration.
The governor earlier in his speech appealed to the President-elect to refund to Rivers State the cost of the projects when he is sworn-in on May 29.
According to him, a letter requesting for the refund has already been prepared and is awaiting signing by the incoming governor of the state, Siminialaye Fubara.
Wike said; “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 to pay 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.”
But in response, Tinubu said he owed the governor nothing, noting that the roads belong to Rivers state and are being used by the people.
The president-elect said; “The 12 flyovers and the demands you made for refund l, I owe you nothing, it’s your road.
“You can’t chuckle at me and make a demand. You are the one using the road. I commend your effort. You have to lobby me.”
