THE President-elect, Bola Tinubu, has told Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike that the state would lobby the Federal Government he would head before getting a refund for money it spent on rehabilitation of federal roads.
Tinubu stated this while commissioning Rumuokwuta-Rumuola Flyover in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State on Wednesday, April 3.
On Tuesday, May 2, The ICIR reported that Wike invitated Tinubu to inaugurate projects in the state today, May 3 and tomorrow, May 4, and consequently declared a public holiday for the state’s residents to welcome the President-elect.
In 2021, the governor confirmed to have received N78 billion refund from President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government for federal roads the state built.
He promised to use the money to execute more projects.
The flyover inaugurated by Tinubu was the 12th the Wike administration built in his eight years in office.
Speaking during the commissioning of the project on Wednesday, Wike appealed to Tinubu to refund the money he spent on Federal Government roads in the state when he assumes office as President.
He said the state amended its Procurement Act before getting funds for the flyovers his administration constructed.
“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.”
Responding, Tinubu said, “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.”
Marcus bears the light, and he beams it everywhere. He's a good governance and decent society advocate. He's The ICIR Reporter of the Year 2022 and has been the organisation's News Editor since September 2023. Contact him via email @ mfatunmole@icirnigeria.org