Diri Knocks Duke Over Bayelsa Swamp Remark, Says Coastal Highway A Long-Standing Demand Of Ijaw Nation

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has reaffirmed his support for the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, disclosing his disagreement with the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, over reports of a proposed realignment of the project with the East-West Road.

Hotnews gathered that Governor Diri stated this during the 200th session of the Bayelsa State Executive Council in Government House, Yenagoa, on Thursday, insisting that both roads were separate projects that should be executed independently.

Speaking as Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, the Governor said the governors of the region were unanimous in their support for the coastal highway, stressing that its construction was crucial to the development of coastal communities.

He also criticised former Cross River State Governor, Mr Donald Duke, for describing the project as unfeasible because of Bayelsa’s swampy terrain, accusing him of undermining the development potential of the Niger Delta.

Governor Diri maintained that his administration was already constructing roads and bridges across Bayelsa’s difficult terrain despite limited resources, insisting that the state’s environment should not be used as an excuse to deny its people critical infrastructure.

He further challenged Mr Duke over his record in office, citing the Tinapa project and the ceding of the Bakassi Peninsula, while defending his commitment to championing the interests of Bayelsans.

The Governor described the coastal highway as a long-standing aspiration of the Ijaw people and the wider Niger Delta, noting that its construction would improve connectivity, stimulate economic activities and address years of infrastructural neglect.

Governor Diri commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the project, describing it as a significant step towards ending the marginalisation of coastal communities and ensuring that the Niger Delta enjoys infrastructure comparable to other parts of the country.

~ Hot News Reporters
Friday 23, October, 2026