Former federal lawmaker, Ben Murray-Bruce, has challenged the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, 2027 presidential candidate, Donald Duke, for describing the ongoing Lagos-Calabar coastal road project as unbuildable.
Arogidigba Global Journal reports that Duke, a former governor of Cross River State, made the remark during an interview, arguing that the swampy terrain in Bayelsa State would pose significant challenges to the construction of the proposed highway.
According to him, the project would require the construction of numerous bridges to navigate the swampy areas.
“The Lagos-Calabar Road is unbuildable. You cannot even go through Bayelsa. Bayelsa is a swamp. Even Yenagoa, the capital, is a swamp.
“You will probably have to build about 100 or 200 bridges to go through those swamps,” the former governor said.
However, reacting in a post on his official X handle on Friday, Murray-Bruce shared a photograph which he claimed showed Duke praising the coastal road vision while they stood together on the coastline.
The former senator’s post challenged Duke’s current position on the feasibility of the project.
He wrote, “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.
“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.
“Mr. President committed to funding this project, and he is keeping that commitment. There is no funding shortfall. The work is progressing, and the quality of construction is second to none.
“When Governor Douye Diri commended the road, he was not speaking as a local champion; he was speaking as a statesman who recognises infrastructure of international standard when he sees it. I agree with him completely.
“Donald, 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. But we must be careful never to undermine a project of national importance, or the President delivering it, simply for political advantage.
“When mankind went to the moon, it was neither cheap nor free. But it was necessary. So is this road”.