President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has told Governor Nyesom Wike to follow due process in requesting for a refund for some federal roads constructed by the state government.
Tinubu spoke on Wednesday, while commissioning the Rumuokwuta-Rumuola Flyover in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
While explaining how the state amended its procurement law to enable it source funds to complete the various flyover projects in embarked upon in record time, Wike said the projects undertaken by the state ought to be done by the Federal Government.
“And unfortunately too, these projects ought to be Federal Government projects because they are federal roads.
“If we have said because they are Federal Government roads, 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 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 used for these roads.
“That is what is supposed to be for a partnership with a good Federal Government. I can assure you that as soon 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.”
But response, the President-elect 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.”