”Say what you like on social media, I can’t refund Wike” – Tinubu

President-elect Bola Tinubu has challenged his social media critics to continue expressing their opinions freely, as he believes in a society that upholds free speech. He explained that he declined Governor Nyesom Wike’s request for a refund of the cost of flyovers constructed in Rivers State because he could not commit to it until he assumes the presidency.

At a banquet held in his honor on Wednesday evening, Tinubu revisited his exchange with Wike, which has sparked various reactions on social media. Despite being called every name imaginable on social media, the former Governor of Lagos State emphasized that he chooses not to respond to social media criticism.

His words: “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.”