President-elect, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday told the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, that he would not refund money spent in constructing some federal roads in the state, after all, the road belongs to the people of Rivers state.
Tinubu stated this while responding to Wike’s plea for a refund of the money after the state amended its procurement law to enable it to source funds and complete various flyover projects.
The President-elect inaugurated the Rumuokwuta-Rumuola Flyover in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State when he made the statement.
“If we had said because they are Federal Government roads, and we won’t do it. Who are those to suffer?” Wike had asked.
“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 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 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.”
In his response, Tinubu 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.”
