Paris Club Refund: Wike Tackles FG Over Claims Rivers Got N34bn

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has challenged the Federal Government to prove the state got N34 billion from the disbursement of Paris Club refund.

Wike, who spoke at the 8th synod of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Diocese of Niger Delta, said contrary to claims that Rivers got N34 billion, the governor said the state only received N17 billion which came in tranches of N14 billion and N3 billion.

The governor’s statement stems from claims by the Federal Ministry of Finance that it gave the said sum to the state government.

“As I speak to you, no N34 billion has been paid to Rivers State,” Wike told the congregation.

“I challenge the Federal Government to show Nigerians the account they paid the N34 billion.”

He said: “I read on the pages of newspapers that Rivers State received the highest amount of the refund of the Paris Club to the tune of N34 billion.

“I want to say categorically that is not correct.

“The President approved that every state and Local Government should receive 50 per cent.

“They came to say that they cannot pay 50 per cent, but they can pay 25 per cent.

“Now, the 25 per cent of the 50 per cent, they paid Rivers State Government and Local Government Areas N14 billion.

“They short paid Rivers State, they short paid Akwa Ibom and they short paid Delta State, which are Peoples Democratic Party States.

“We are the only three states that were shortchanged.

“They paid all other states completely.

“So we started fighting.

“We raised alarm and they said we still have N3 billion.

“For the remaining of the 25 per cent , they called a meeting.

“They now said, we cannot pay you that 25 per cent fully.

“We will pay you part of the 25 per cent now, pay part in September, pay part in December.

“If they pay part now, part in September and pay part in December, then it will mean that they have paid Rivers State Government N34 billion.

“If they say that we are entitled to N34 billion, Okay.

“Being entitled and paying the money are two different things.”

“They should come to Rivers State and see what we are doing with our money in comparison with the ‘change’states,” said the governor.