The ‘President-elect’, Bola Tinubu has turned down a request made by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike for a refund for some of the projects done by his (Wike’s) administration in the state.
Tinubu said he owed Governor Wike nothing as regards refunding the money spent on projects done on some federal roads in the state.
The former Lagos governor was in the state to inaugurate some projects at the invitation of Governor Wike. The trip is Tinubu’s first official visit to a state since his election as Nigeria’s next President in February.
At the inauguration of the Rumuokwuta-Rumuola Flyover in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state, Wike said some of the projects done by his administration ought to be done by the Federal Government as they are on federal roads.
He noted that his government decided to do it because it is his people who would suffer if the projects were left undone.
“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.”
According to Wike, if Tinubu approves the refund of the money spent on the projects when he gets into office, other states would be encouraged to do such projects and not wait for the Federal Government.
Tinubu, however, replied by saying, “I owe you nothing on the demands made on the 12th flyover. It’s your own. You live here. I commend your effort. You have to lobby me to collect it.”
Tinubu, who is in Rivers State for a two-day visit, praised Wike for his support for him in the presidential election, saying he could not have won the election without Wike’s contribution.
The ‘President-elect’ said despite the gossip, Wike stood his ground for what he believed in – that Presidency should come to the South after President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight years in office.
“It is on the strength of your character that I stand here to fulfill the promise I made during my campaigns,” Tinubu said.
