By Sandra Kenneth
Former Bayelsa East Senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, has thrown his support behind the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, firing back at former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, over his recent criticism of the multi-billion-naira infrastructure project.
Murray-Bruce’s response comes on the heels of remarks made by Duke during an Arise Television interview on Thursday, where the former presidential candidate questioned the economic feasibility and financial priority of the highway.
Duke had argued that Nigeria could not afford the venture, expressing deep skepticism about traversing difficult swampy terrains like Bayelsa—which he noted would require hundreds of bridges—and suggesting funds would be better deployed to fixing existing roads, healthcare, and electricity.
Taking to his X handle on Friday, Murray-Bruce expressed surprise at Duke’s critique, recalling that the former Cross River governor had previously commended the vision behind the coastal route when the two toured the area years ago.
“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,” Murray-Bruce wrote.
While conceding that the coastal highway is undeniably costly, the former senator maintained that major national progress demands substantial capital outlays. Comparing the endeavor to historical feats like the U.S. moon landing, he asserted that transformative national infrastructure is never cheap.
“Great nations are built by leaders willing to make bold, costly investments that will serve generations yet unborn… When mankind went to the moon, it was neither cheap nor free. But it was necessary. So is this road,” Murray-Bruce stated.
Dismissing concerns raised regarding funding deficits, Murray-Bruce insisted that President Bola Tinubu is actively fulfilling his financial commitments to ensure the project reaches completion without cash-flow shortfalls, highlighting that construction quality is of international standard.
He also defended Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri against Duke’s label of a “local champion” for backing the project, maintaining that Governor Diri spoke as a statesman recognizing top-tier infrastructure.
Concluding his statement, Murray-Bruce acknowledged Duke’s political ambitions as a presidential aspirant but warned against undermining critical national infrastructure for political leverage.
“Donald, I understand that you are running for president, and that your statement is political… But we must be careful never to undermine a project of national importance, or the President delivering it, simply for political advantage,” he cautioned.
