“Donald, I Understand You… Your Statement Is Political” – Ben Bruce Takes On Duke Over Coastal Highway

Former senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, has challenged former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, over his comments on the cost of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing the remarks as political while defending the project as a necessary investment in Nigeria’s future.

In a message addressed to Duke, Bruce said he was surprised by the former governor’s recent position, recalling their previous journey along the coastline where the highway is being constructed and Duke’s earlier appreciation of the vision behind the project.

“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,” Bruce said.

While acknowledging concerns about the cost of the highway, the former senator argued that major infrastructure projects should be assessed in terms of their long-term benefits rather than their immediate financial implications.

“Yes, the Coastal Highway is expensive. We agree on that. But nothing of lasting value in this world is cheap or free,” he explained.

Bruce added that nations achieved significant development when their leaders committed resources to ambitious projects capable of serving future generations.

“Great nations are built by leaders willing to make bold, costly investments that will serve generations yet unborn,” the former Senator stated.

Defending President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the project, Bruce maintained that the Federal Government was meeting its funding obligations and that construction was progressing as planned.

“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 added.

Bruce also cited the commendation reportedly given to the highway by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, arguing that it reflected recognition of the project’s infrastructure standards beyond political considerations.

“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,” Bruce declared.

Addressing Duke’s reported presidential ambition, Bruce acknowledged his right to criticise government projects and present alternative positions to Nigerians but cautioned against allowing political considerations to overshadow national development.

“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 asserted.

He added: “But we must be careful never to undermine a project of national importance, or the President delivering it, simply for political advantage.”

Using the United States’ moon landing programme as an example, Bruce argued that the high cost of ambitious undertakings did not necessarily diminish their importance or justify abandoning them.

“When mankind went to the moon, it was neither cheap nor free. But it was necessary. So is this road,” he rounded-off