Bola Tinubu, the President-elect, stated that because he has not yet taken the oath of office, he is unable to reimburse Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike for the flyover project that was inaugurated in the state on Wednesday.
While commissioning the Rumuola-Rumuokwuta flyover yesterday, Tinubu told his host, Wike: “I owe you nothing”, stressing that the infrastructure is to be enjoyed by residents of the state.
The comment has generated discussion in the media, and the former governor of Lagos state clarified hours later that while people are free to take his words whatever they like, he has no authority until he assumes office.
He clarified his remarks about what he called the banter with Wike after a banquet in his honor on Wednesday night, saying that it had gotten a lot of feedback on social media.
According to Tinubu, “I exchanged a banter with Gov Wike, if you take me seriously, (it’s left to you). The truth is, I’m a President-elect. I have no signature for expenditure until sworn in. How can I make a commitment? I cannot sign a dime of Nigeria money or expenditure now. There can only be one president at a time.
“If you ask me to go and commit to things that are mere expectations and cannot be fulfilled, I believe in fulfilling promises, that’s why I’m here. And we have to do it for Nigeria. I thank you all for the support you gave me during the election, but I’m still on a countdown.
“If I sign anything for you now and commit to it, I can’t pay. For that flyover, how can I pay, personal? That’s not realistic.
“I hope that clears the social media fears. I don’t respond to (social media talks). There is no name they’ve not called me on (social media). It’s a free speech society and around the world.”
