The President-elect, Bola Tinubu, has refused the request of Governor Nyesom Wike to replenish the funds used to construct federal roads in Rivers State.
The request was made during Tinubu’s visit to the state to commission a road project in the state today being 3rd May.
During the commissioning, Wike mentioned that it would be ideal if Tinubu’s incoming administration refunds the money used from state funds to create the federal roads in Rivers, since the Federal government is originally responsible for the roads.
He said: “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 responded to his request saying that he is not indebted to the state. He also said the state government can only lobby him to collect the money back.
He 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.”
