Former Senator representing Bayelsa East, Ben Murray-Bruce, has strongly criticized former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke over his characterisation of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri as a “local champion” amid the debate surrounding the feasibility and economic viability of the 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
In an official press statement released on Friday, October 16, 2026, in Abuja, Murray-Bruce expressed surprise at Duke’s dismissive stance, recalling that both leaders had previously toured the coastal project route together and witnessed the scale of the ongoing construction firsthand.
The public exchange escalated following televised comments made by Donald Duke, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) for the 2027 general elections, during a live interview on Arise Television in Abuja on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
During the broadcast, Duke questioned the feasibility, funding, and technical necessity of the multi-trillion naira infrastructure project, labeling it unviable given Nigeria’s current fiscal constraints.
Responding to Duke’s initial criticisms, Governor Douye Diri, speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, in Yenagoa, defended the highway. Alabrah stated that Duke was out of touch with modern engineering, noting that Bayelsa State continues to build major roads and bridges across swampy terrains.
Countering Diri’s statement on air, Duke remarked; “And the governor of Bayelsa, if he did say so, I don’t know the fellow, but if he did say so, I think he’s just being a local champion. He is seeing within the ambit of his state… I am looking at the totality of Nigeria.”
Rebutting Duke’s assertion, Murray-Bruce rejected the “local champion” label, describing Governor Diri’s support as the position of a statesman recognizing transformational infrastructure.
”Gov Diri didn’t speak on the Coastal Highway as a local champion; he spoke as a statesman who recognizes infrastructure of international standard when he sees it,” Murray-Bruce stated in his response.
Directly addressing Duke, the former lawmaker cautioned against undercutting crucial national projects for political expediency ahead of the upcoming election season;
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.”
“Donald, I understand you… 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.”
When mankind went to the moon, it was neither cheap nor free. But it was necessary. So is this road.”
