The President-elect Bola Tinubu on Wednesday told Governor Nyesom Wike that he owed him (Wike) nothing for constructing federal roads in Rivers State.
Tinubu was responding to a request by Wike for a refund of monies the Rivers government spent to construct federal roads in the state.
Tinubu, who gave the response while inaugurating the Rumuokwuta-Rumuola Flyover in Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State, said the roads so constructed were in Rivers State.
Wike, who declared a public holiday in Rivers in honour of Tinubu’s two-day official visit to the state, had told his guest how the state amended its procurement law to enable it source funds and complete various flyover projects it embarked upon in record time.
The governor said some of the projects undertaken by the state ought to be carried by the Federal Government.
“These projects ought to be Federal Government projects because they are federal roads. If we had said because they are federal 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 these projects you have done, can you bring your bill, let us refund you the money you have spent on 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 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.”
Responding, however, Tinubu said, “The 12th flyover and the demand you made for refund, I owe you nothing. It is your road.
“You are the one living on this road. I commend your effort. You have to lobby me to collect it.”
