PRP Chieftain Faults Donald Duke Over Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Comment

Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has become a focal point of political discourse, with a chieftain of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Yakubu Kingsley, offering a contrasting view to that of his party's presidential candidate, Donald Duke. Kingsley, who is also an engineer, has lauded the project, citing its significant potential to enhance transportation and economic connectivity along Nigeria's coastline. He specifically commended the Federal Government for the project's "broad project scoping, strategic corridor alignment and the engineering concept underpinning the development." From an engineering standpoint, Kingsley views the highway as a crucial long-term infrastructure intervention that promises to improve inter-city and regional connectivity, reduce travel times for both people and goods, and stimulate economic activities. He also noted its potential to facilitate the integration of coastal communities, support tourism and logistics, and foster industrial development, thereby creating new economic corridors.

Constructive Opposition

Kingsley's critique of Duke's stance is rooted in his broader philosophy of opposition politics. He argues that political opposition should be grounded in constructive criticism, objectivity, and the presentation of alternative solutions, rather than a wholesale rejection of government policies and projects. He believes that parties like the PRP, with its historical and philosophical underpinnings, should not engage in criticism merely for political expediency. Instead, when government policies or projects are deemed flawed, the PRP should clearly identify the problems, explain their consequences, and propose credible alternatives. Conversely, when the government achieves positive outcomes, the party should possess the courage and objectivity to acknowledge them. This approach, he contends, is essential for building trust and demonstrating a commitment to national development over partisan gain.

2027 Elections

Kingsley extended his call for a more constructive approach to the PRP's candidates preparing for the 2027 general elections. He urged them to focus their campaigns on substantive issues and to present clear, actionable alternatives to voters. Instead of solely attacking incumbent governments, PRP candidates should articulate how their proposed programs will lead to improvements in critical areas such as security, education, healthcare, agriculture, employment, infrastructure, industrialization, social welfare, and the overall well-being of citizens. Kingsley emphasized that his commendation of the coastal highway does not equate to an endorsement of the entire Tinubu administration, acknowledging its failures in areas like insecurity, poverty, and unemployment. However, he maintains that the PRP's objective is not just to criticize but to offer a comprehensive government program built on competence, accountability, and people-centered policies with measurable outcomes and actionable solutions.