Tinubu rejects Wike’s request for projects reimbursement

The President-elect, Bola Tinubu, has rejected the Rivers State governor’s request for Federal projects reimbursement, saying, he owed the state nothing.

River State governor, Nyesom Wike on Wednesday in Portharcourt requested a refund of some Federal projects including roads which he reconstructed with the approval of the Federal Government.

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.”

In his response, Tinubu jocularly said, “The demand you made for a refund, I owe you nothing, is your road. You are the one living on this road, I commend your effort, and you had to lobby me to collect.

“Nyesom, as you create excitement and development across this state, we have something to look forward to for Nigeria. You and I will discuss that, not expected debt.”

Meanwhile, Tinubu described Wike as a man of principle, saying the governor and the people of Rivers played a role in his election victory.

He said he was in the state in line with the promise he made during the campaigns in Rivers.

“I will never forget the pivotal role the great and wonderful people of this state played in my victorious campaign to become the next president of this country. You have my eternal gratitude.”

“In His Excellency, Governor Wike, I see a man of principle. He took a principled stand that the presidency should be returned to the South; and he had the courage to stand by his convictions, not minding whose ox was gored.

“He is, indeed, a man of great integrity. He did not choose to serve his own interests, rather, the interests of the nation and the people of Rivers State. I thank him for his selfless leadership.”

He praised Wike for the development strides in Rivers State, particularly for the 12 flyovers constructed across the state capital, saying posterity would kindly remember him.

He said with his accomplishments in the state, Nigeria would need the outgoing Rivers governor in higher capacities.

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