Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s President-elect, declared on Wednesday that the federal government will not be required to reimburse states for federal projects that they have already completed under his administration. This was said following a request made by Wike.
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State made a request to Tinubu during a two-day visit to the state at the beginning of the Rumuokuta flypast in Port Harcourt. However, Tinubu told the Rivers governor that he might change his mind about the request if the governor made a persuasive argument.
Tinubu said: “On the demand you made for a refund, I owe you nothing. It’s your road. You’re the one living on these roads. I commend your efforts. You have to lobby me to collect.”
In a statement attesting to their growing closeness, Tinubu remarked, “My visit to Rivers is a promise kept, promise fulfilled. Governor Wike, you have a great track record when it comes to moral integrity.
“I see a man of principles in Wike. He declared that the South must once again hold the presidency. He also lacked regard for whose ox was being gored and had the fortitude to stand by his convictions. He is a man of great integrity, no doubt. You pushed for harmony, equity, and justice.
“It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to commission this project today in order to continue building bridges throughout Nigeria. I stand to keep the commitment I made during the campaigns thanks to the virtue of your character. I’m glad that we were able to start a relationship.
“I am a really content man. We in Nigeria have something to anticipate as you spread joy, enthusiasm, and progress throughout this state.
Wike’s Demands
Wike had earlier said to Tinubu: “Our procurement laws are partly to blame for the fact that we have unfinished projects. Project completion will take a very long time if you follow the procurement law.
“How much, say, 15 to 30 percent (mobilisation) does the federal procurement law cost? When you offer a contractor 15% of the total project cost, they will request a variation because the cost of supplies is growing and inflation is increasing virtually daily.
“In our instance, I call Mr. Speaker to inform him that we must stop. To allow us the flexibility to pay 70% to a company we know has the potential to execute on schedule, we have to alter our procurement law. Because of this, Julius Berger has never left a project unfinished. Ahoada, Omoku, Egbema, and our border with Imo State are all being dualised. Julius Berger is carrying out this work. Additionally, there will be a dual route from Emohua, east-west, to Degema Junction via JB.
“They charged us over N80 billion. We rely on our own internal revenue, which is N4 billion per month, to finish this road in 18 months. Because of this, we have never failed to finish our tasks.
These projects are federal roads, which is unfortunate. None of our people should endure suffering. I think the federal government ought to offer to repay these funds. I can guarantee you that as soon as you step into the office and decide to return these funds, other states will follow suit. Therefore, the first thing we are asking of you is a refund,” Wike added.