PRP chieftain faults Donald Duke over Lagos-Calabar coastal highway comment

A Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) chieftain, Yakubu Kingsley, has challenged the opposition's approach to governance, advocating for constructive criticism over outright rejection of government projects. Kingsley's remarks came in response to former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, the PRP's presidential candidate, who described the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a "misplaced priority."

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Opposition politics must be founded on constructive criticism, objectivity and alternative solutions, rather than an indiscriminate campaign to run down governments simply because they are in power.

Kingsley, who is also an engineer, defended the highway project, highlighting its significant potential to enhance transportation and economic connectivity along Nigeria's coastline. He praised the project's "broad project scoping, strategic corridor alignment and the engineering concept" behind its development. According to Kingsley, the highway could improve inter-city and regional connectivity, reduce travel times, and stimulate economic activities.

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By virtue of its history and philosophy, the party should not criticise government merely for political expediency. Where government policies or projects are wrong, the PRP should identify the problems, explain their consequences and provide credible alternatives. Where government gets something right, the party should have the courage and objectivity to acknowledge it.

"Opposition politics must be founded on constructive criticism, objectivity and alternative solutions, rather than an indiscriminate campaign to run down governments simply because they are in power," Kingsley stated. He emphasized that the PRP, by its history and philosophy, should acknowledge positive government initiatives while also pointing out areas for improvement. He stressed that political differences should not preclude Nigerians from recognizing beneficial government projects.

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From an engineering perspective, the coastal highway represents a significant long-term transportation infrastructure intervention, particularly in terms of inter-city and regional connectivity, corridor development, reduction of travel distances and travel time.