President–elect, Bola Tinubu has told Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike not to expect an outright payment for the construction of federal roads in the state.
Tinubu said this in reaction to a request for payback made by Wike during the commissioning of the Raumuokwuta/Rumuola flyover bridge in Port Harcourt.
Wike 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 President-elect, who thanked Wike for indirectly helping him to win the election, however, gave Wike the option of lobbying him for the refund when he takes over on May 29.
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.”
