Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President-elect of Nigeria, has promised to ensure even development across all regions of the country and avoid marginalization of any part of the country. Speaking during a two-day visit to Rivers State, he said that he intends to leave legacy projects across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
Tinubu was in Rivers State to commission projects executed by the Governor, Nyesom Wike, whom he praised for his infrastructural achievements and political support. The President-elect specifically commended Governor Wike for the construction of 12 flyovers across the state capital, describing it as a remarkable accomplishment that will be remembered by posterity.
The President-elect, Bola Tinubu, rejected a request made by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, for a refund for the construction of some federal roads in the state. Tinubu spoke while inaugurating the Rumuokwuta-Rumuola Flyover in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
While noting how the state had to amend its procurement law to enable it to source funds and complete the various flyover projects in embarked up in record time, Wike said the projects undertaken by the state ought to be done by the Federal Government.
“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 with.
Tinubu also thanked the people of Rivers State for their support during his campaign, saying that he will never forget the pivotal role the state played in his victorious campaign. He noted that Governor Wike played a principled role in the campaign by insisting that the presidency should be returned to the South, adding that the Governor is a man of great integrity who puts the interest of the nation and the people of Rivers State above his own.
In his remarks, Governor Wike said the invitation to Tinubu to commission projects in the state was a fulfillment of a promise made during the President-elect’s campaign visit to Rivers. He expressed appreciation to Tinubu for agreeing to visit Rivers State and perform the commissioning.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries from different parts of the country, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and Governors Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), David Umahi (Ebonyi), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Hope Uzodinma (Imo). Former governors Dr. Peter Odili (Rivers), Chief Bisi Akande (Osun), Chief James Ibori (Delta), Dr. Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Chief Timipre Sylva (Bayelsa), and Chief Ayo Fayose (Ekiti) were also in attendance.
The President-elect’s visit to Rivers State is seen as an indication of his willingness to work with people from all parts of the country, irrespective of political affiliations, to achieve national development. Tinubu’s visit to Rivers State has also shown that he is willing to put aside political differences and acknowledge the achievements of his opponents.