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Former senator Ben Murray-Bruce has challenged former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke over his criticism of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, claiming that Duke once praised the vision behind the project he now considers financially unfeasible.
Murray-Bruce made the claim in a post on X on Friday, October 16, while responding to Duke’s concerns about the cost and affordability of the highway.
The former lawmaker recalled travelling with Duke along the coastline where the road is now being constructed, saying the former governor had commended the vision behind the project.
Duke, who is the presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), had argued that Nigeria lacked the financial resources to undertake the project, particularly at a time when the government was borrowing to finance infrastructure.
“It’s just not feasible. We don’t have the kind of money to do it. We’re literally borrowing. We can’t do it,” Duke said.
Responding, Murray-Bruce acknowledged the project’s high cost but insisted that major infrastructure development required substantial investment.
“Yes, the Coastal Highway is expensive. We agree on that. But nothing of lasting value in this world is cheap or free,” he stated.
He defended President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the highway, maintaining that the Federal Government had provided the necessary funding.
“Mr President committed to funding this project, and he is keeping that commitment. There is no funding shortfall,” he said.
Murray-Bruce also suggested that Duke’s criticism was influenced by his presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 election.
“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,” he said.
“But we must be careful never to undermine a project of national importance, or the President delivering it, simply for political advantage.”
The former senator also backed Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri’s commendation of the highway, describing it as recognition of the quality of the ongoing construction.
“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,” Murray-Bruce said.
Comparing the highway to the United States’ historic moon mission, he argued that the long-term importance of major projects should not be judged by cost alone.
“When mankind went to the moon, it was neither cheap nor free. But it was necessary. So is this road,” he added.
English (US) ·