President-elect, Bola Tinubu, has rejected Rivers State Governor’s request for Federal projects reimbursement, saying he owed the state nothing.
Gatekeepers News reports that Tinubu made the comments on Wednesday in Port Harcourt while commissioning the 12th flyover constructed by Gov. Wike.
River State Governor, Nyesom Wike on Wednesday had during his speech, appealed to the President-elect to refund to Rivers State the cost of the projects done on the federal government’s road when he is sworn-in as President on May 29.
While addressing the President-elect, who was in the state to commission some projects, Wike explained that his government had to amend its procurement law to source for funds to complete some flyovers in the state capital which are Federal government projects.
Wike explained that he could not wait to see those projects uncompleted because they are federal projects, hence, he has to complete them.
He said: “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.”
The governor said a letter requesting for the refund “has already been prepared” for the incoming governor of the state, Siminialaye Fubara which he will sign on assumption of office, asking the President to approve the refund.
But responding to Wike’s demands, Tinubu said he owed the governor nothing, noting that the roads were being used by Rivers people.
He 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.”
