Murray-Bruce Defends Governor Diri Against Duke’s Criticism of Coastal Highway

Former senator Ben Murray-Bruce has responded to Donald Duke’s comments about Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri. Duke called Diri a “local champion” while discussing the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, questioning its feasibility in Bayelsa’s swampy areas.

Murray-Bruce stated that Diri was acting as a statesman who understands the importance of high-quality infrastructure. He emphasized that Diri’s support for the highway goes beyond local interests.

In a series of posts on X, Murray-Bruce noted that Duke’s remarks surprised him, recalling their previous travels along the coastline where the highway is being built. He mentioned that Duke had once praised the vision behind the project.

While acknowledging the project’s high costs, Murray-Bruce argued that significant infrastructure investments are necessary for long-term benefits. He stated that great nations are built by leaders willing to make bold investments.

Murray-Bruce also addressed concerns about funding, saying there is no shortfall and that construction is progressing well. He defended Diri’s perspective, asserting that it reflects an understanding of the highway’s national significance.

He acknowledged Duke’s right to criticize the project as a presidential candidate but cautioned against undermining important infrastructure for political gain. He compared the highway project to the U.S. space program, suggesting that costly projects can be essential for national development.