President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, rejected a request by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, for refund for the construction of some Federal roads in the state.
Tinubu made this clarification while inaugurating the Rumuokwuta-Rumuola Flyover in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Wike, while noting how his administration had to amend its procurement law to enable it to source funds and complete the various flyover projects it embarked up in record time, said such projects done by the state ought to be the responsibility of the Federal Government.
Wike 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.”
However, Tinubu, in his response, said, “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.”