The President-elect, Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, rejected the request made by Nyesom Wike, the Governor of Rivers State, saying, he owes the State nothing.
Wike had 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: “And unfortunately too, these projects ought to be Federal Government projects because they are federal roads.
“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.”
But in his response, the President-elect stated: “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.”