A former senator, Ben Murray-Bruce, has lauded the Federal Government over the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Murray-Bruce heaped plaudits on the Nigerian government after paying a visit to the construction site of the project on Tuesday morning.
“Today, I visited the Lagos-Calabar coastal road construction site with my good friend, the former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke,” he said.
“The project is truly magnificent and unlike any other. Upon completion, it will undoubtedly be recognized as one of the greatest infrastructure wonders of our time.”
Murray-Bruce also described critics of the ongoing 700Km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as enemies of progress who “should not ply the road when it is completed.”
“This is why it is surprising that some disgruntled people are opposing this project. I would suggest that such enemies of progress should not ply the road when it is completed and stick to the old long treacherous routes,” Bruce said in a video he shared on his X page on Sunday.
READ ALSO: Lagos-Calabar Highway: Peter Obi hits Tinubu’s government over ‘misplaced priority’
Murray-Bruce’s praise is, however, in sharp contrast with the comments of former Anambra state governor, Peter Obi on the project.
Obi last Tuesday hit out at President Bola Tinubu’s government over the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Obi in a post on his X handle questioned the Federal Government over the construction of the Highway, calling it a ‘misplaced priority’.
“Lagos-Calabar Highway: FG adamant on a Misplaced Priority. Contrary to reason and the necessity for compassion in public policy, the federal government has commenced the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project,” Obi wrote.
“The outcry against this project has been overwhelming due to the current situation in the country.
“The sight of this insensitive demolition is heart-wrenching. Livelihoods are being wiped away, lifetime investments are being wasted, and jobs are disappearing as bulldozers roar through. The homes of the elderly are being overturned by the power of bulldozers.”
READ ALSO: Peter Obi concerned over cost of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
Minister of Works, David Umahi, during his address at a stakeholders meeting in Lagos State accused Obi of inciting the people of the Southeast, especially the uninformed against President Tinubu’s administration.
“When you condemn people you bring judgment upon yourself and that is what he has done,” Umahi said.
“I think he is inciting some of the south-east people that are not well informed. He is inciting and getting them into trouble and he does not go to fight for them.
“Wisdom is a defence. It gives light to those that practice it. I want our people to have wisdom because I am involved.”
The Federal Government last Wednesday began the payment of N2.75 billion as compensation to the people whose properties were demolished due to the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
