PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — As the sweeping Rumuokuta Flyover was inaugurated on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, President-elect Bola Tinubu clarified that federal project refunds would be not come without a fight.
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, who has been championing the cause, was met with a candid response from the newly-elected president: “You have to lobby me to collect.”
Governor Wike had earlier put forth a case for refunds on federal projects undertaken by states of the federation, arguing that the federal government should help alleviate the financial burdens borne by states.
This dialogue took place in the bustling state capital of Port Harcourt during the inauguration of the notable infrastructure project.
“Part of why we are having uncompleted projects have to do with our procurement laws,” Governor Wike told Tinubu. The governor further detailed the struggle against inflation and the cumbersome procurement process that often slows down the pace of infrastructural development.
Governor Wike went on to explain the proactive measures the state had taken to speed up the completion of projects, including amending procurement laws to allow for a more robust initial payment to contractors.
He said this is why no projects undertaken by Julius Berger, a leading construction company, remain uncompleted in Rivers State.
Wike further underscored the state’s financial commitment towards these federal projects, calling for a refund from the federal government, a move he believes will inspire other states to undertake similar projects.
In his response, President-elect Tinubu commended Governor Wike’s efforts but remained non-committal about issuing a refund. “On the demand you made for refund, I owe you nothing. It’s your road. You’re the one living on these roads. You have to lobby me to collect,” he stated.
Despite this, the President-elect showered praises on Governor Wike for his principled stand on issues, dependability, and his role in promoting unity, fairness, and justice. Tinubu also expressed satisfaction with his relationship with the outgoing governor.
“My visit to Rivers is a promise kept, promise fulfilled. If you talk of character, Governor Nyesom Wike, you are very dependable,” Tinubu said, adding that, “He is indeed a man of great integrity. You promoted unity, promoted fairness, you championed justice.”
As the inauguration came to a close, Tinubu expressed his joy at the development strides in Rivers State, emphasising that the inauguration of the Rumuokuta Flyover is a step towards building bridges across Nigeria.
His final remark, “I’m a very happy man.”
