The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, Donald Duke, has come under criticism from former federal lawmaker, Ben Murray-Bruce over his stance on the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project.

In a post on his official X page, Murray-Bruce criticised Duke’s position on 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”.

For those who don’t know, Donald Duke, a former governor of Cross River State had made the remark during an interview.

He said: “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.”