• Insists he won presidential election
• Promises to collaborate with gov
The president-elect, Bola Tinubu, yesterday, rejected a request made by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, for a refund for construction of some federal roads in the state.
Tinubu spoke while inaugurating the Rumuokwuta-Rumuola Flyover, in Obio/Akpor Council of the state.
While noting how the state had to amend its procurement law to enable it source funds and complete various flyover projects it embarked upon in record time, Wike said the projects undertaken by the state ought to be done by Federal Government.
“And, unfortunately, these projects ought to be Federal Government projects, because they are federal roads.
“Since we have said we don’t want our people to suffer, I also believe 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 to do these roads.
“That is what it is supposed to be for partnership with a good Federal Government. I can assure you, as you take office as president, if you approve to pay this money back, other states will have the courage to also do the same thing,” Wike said
But in his response, Tinubu stated: “For 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.”
MEANWHILE, Tinubu insisted he won the February 25 presidential polls fairly and squarely despite campaigns against the outcome.
Tinubu, who is on a two-day working visit to the state, while speaking at the commissioning of the Rumuokuta/Rumuola flyover, said he was in the state to fulfill a promise made, and could not hide his excitement, saying he is a happy man, having survived an intense election.
“I am a very happy man. Happy, because I went through a gruesome campaign, fell hard, picked myself, supported by many of you, and I won, fair and square,” he said.
The president-elect expressed gratitude to Wike, saying his victory was due to the contribution and structural support from him.
Tinubu further disclosed that both he and Wike have many things in common, saying: “What you see here today is another way of building bridges, which cannot be overstated, but for the good of Nigeria. It is on the strength of character that I stand to fulfill the promise I made during campaigns to you.”
“We have so many things in common and that is politics of our country. But, today is no longer a day for campaign, like you said, the campaign is over, let’s govern, and it is about governance.”
