Former Senator Ben Murray-Bruce has challenged Donald Duke over his criticism of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, accusing the former Cross River State governor of taking a different position from one he allegedly held in the past.
The dispute followed Duke’s recent declaration that the coastal road was “unbuildable” because of the difficult swampy terrain in Bayelsa State.
Duke, who is seeking the presidency in 2027 on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party, argued that the proposed route would require extensive bridge construction to pass through the state.
“The Lagos-Calabar Road is unbuildable. You cannot even go through Bayelsa. Bayelsa is a swamp. Even Yenagoa, the capital, is a swamp,” Duke said.
He added that the project could require the construction of between 100 and 200 bridges.
But reacting on Friday, Murray-Bruce shared a photograph which he said was taken during an earlier visit to the coastline with Duke, claiming the former governor had at the time praised the vision behind the road.
“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 said.
He acknowledged that the project was expensive but maintained that major infrastructure capable of transforming an economy often comes at a high cost.
“Yes, the Coastal Highway is expensive. We agree on that. But nothing of lasting value in this world is cheap or free,” he said.
According to the former senator, large-scale national projects should be judged by their long-term value rather than immediate cost alone.
“Great nations are built by leaders willing to make bold, costly investments that will serve generations yet unborn,” he added.
Murray-Bruce also defended President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the highway, insisting that the Federal Government had not abandoned its funding obligations.
“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,” he said.
He also referenced Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri’s support for the project, describing it as evidence that the highway could be viewed beyond partisan lines.
“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.
The former lawmaker then took a direct swipe at Duke’s political ambitions, suggesting that his opposition to the highway could be connected to the 2027 presidential race.
“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.
He, however, warned that major infrastructure projects should not be undermined for electoral advantage.
“But we must be careful never to undermine a project of national importance, or the President delivering it, simply for political advantage,” Murray-Bruce said.
He compared the coastal highway to other costly but transformative ventures, arguing that difficulty should not automatically be a reason to abandon ambitious development projects.
“When mankind went to the moon, it was neither cheap nor free. But it was necessary. So is this road,” he said.
The exchange has widened the debate around the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which has remained one of the Tinubu administration’s most ambitious and controversial infrastructure projects.
While supporters argue that it could open up coastal communities, improve connectivity and stimulate commerce, critics continue to question its cost, engineering demands and implementation.
As the 2027 political contest gathers pace, the highway is increasingly emerging not only as an infrastructure project, but also as a major political battleground.
