federal projects: TINUBU REJECTS WIKE’s REQUEST FOR REFUND

President-Elect, Bola Tinubu has rejected a request made by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike for a refund for the construction of some federal roads, especially; the flyovers in the state.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the rejection while inaugurating the Rumuokwuta-Rumuola flyover project in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.

Our correspondent reports that Tinubu made it very clear that he is now owing the out going Governor Nyesom Wike.

According to him:

“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”.

Earlier in his speech, Governor Nyesom Wike recalled how the state had to amend its procurement law to enable it to source funds and complete the various flyover projects it embarked upon in record time.

The outgoing Governor, Nyesom Wike argued that the projects undertaken by the state ought to be done by the Federal Government.

He said:

“And 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 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”.