Diri faults Duke on Lagos-Calabar coastal road project

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has criticized former Cross River Governor Donald Duke for his remarks on the feasibility of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. Duke had said on Arise Television that the project was "impossible" due to the swampy terrain of Bayelsa, stating that it would require around 100-200 bridges to navigate the swamps.

Diri, however, expressed disappointment in Duke's criticism, arguing that it was politically motivated rather than based on factual information. He stated that Duke was not familiar with the progress made in road construction and infrastructure development in Bayelsa, pointing out that the state had already built roads and bridges over swamps and mangroves.

Diri emphasized the significance of the coastal highway project, stating that it would unlock development in the region and was of great importance to the Ijaw ethnic nationality, whose demand for the project dates back to the 1990s. He attributed the delay in the project's implementation to the previous administrations' reluctance to prioritize the Ijaw people's interests. Diri joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to his commitment to his people's welfare.