Former Bayelsa East senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, has criticised former Cross River State governor Donald Duke over his recent comments questioning the feasibility and cost of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Gatekeepers News reports that Murray-Bruce, in a post on X on Friday, October 16, said Duke’s position surprised him because he recalled that the former governor had previously praised the vision behind the project when both men travelled along the coastline where the highway is being constructed.
“My dear brother Donald Duke, some years ago, you and I travelled along the stretch of the coastline where this road now runs, and I clearly remember your praise for the vision behind it. That is why your recent comments surprised me,” he wrote.
Duke, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, had described the highway as a misplaced priority, arguing that Nigeria could not afford the project under its current economic circumstances.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, the former governor questioned the feasibility of extending the road beyond Epe in Lagos State, citing the difficult terrain in Bayelsa State and the potential need for numerous bridges.
“I’ll bring this up. Take the Lagos-Calabar highway. I know the country cannot afford it,” Duke said.
He argued that the government should consider rehabilitating existing roads linking Lagos and Calabar rather than committing substantial resources to a new coastal highway.
Duke also maintained that the funds earmarked for the project could be directed towards essential sectors such as electricity and healthcare.
Responding to the criticism, Murray-Bruce acknowledged the project’s high cost but argued that major infrastructure investments could deliver long-term benefits.
“Yes, the Coastal Highway is expensive. We agree on that. But nothing of lasting value in this world is cheap or free. Great nations are built by leaders willing to make bold, costly investments that will serve generations yet unborn,” he said.
The former senator also defended President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the project, saying the president was fulfilling his funding pledge and that construction was progressing.
Murray-Bruce cited Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri’s commendation of the highway as evidence of recognition of the project’s infrastructure value.
He further suggested that Duke’s criticism was influenced by his presidential ambition, while acknowledging his right to express his views.
“I understand that you are running for president, and that your statement is political. That is the nature of the season, and I respect your right to make your case to Nigerians,” Murray-Bruce said.
He cautioned against undermining projects of national importance for political advantage, comparing the highway to major global infrastructure endeavours that required substantial investment.
“When mankind went to the moon, it was neither cheap nor free. But it was necessary. So is this road,” he added.
