The President-Elect, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, shocked Rivers State Governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike and Rivers State people on Wednesday when he declined Wike’s request for refund of state government’s expenses on construction and repairs of some Federal Government roads and Flyover bridges in Rivers State.

Asiwaju Tinubu, who was Wike’s Special Guest to inaugurate some projects in Rivers State, pointedly told Wike and Rivers State people that he would not refund money spent in constructing of some federal roads in the state and that he owes them nothing since the said roads are in Rivers State.

Tinubu stated this while responding to Wike’s plea for refund after the state amended its procurement law that enabled it source huge funds to complete many flyover projects and Federal Government roads in the state.

Wike had told his Guest who came to inaugurate the Rumuokwuta-Rumuola Flyover in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State that:
“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.

“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,” Wike submitted.

The President-Elect Tinubu, did not hesitate in his response. He said pointedly: “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.”