The Cross River State Consultative Forum (CRSCF) has raised concerns over the methodology and conclusions of a recent quality-of-life report published by SBM Intelligence, describing several of its findings on Cross River State as inaccurate, exaggerated, and lacking sufficient empirical basis.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, and Secretary, Dr. Julius Ochim Okputu, the Forum argued that while independent policy research remains important for accountability and public discourse, the report relied on a limited sample size that could not credibly represent the realities of millions of residents across the country.
According to the Forum, the report titled "Where Nigerian Families Actually Thrive" drew broad conclusions about governance and living conditions based on a Quality of Life Survey involving 442 respondents and a Power Survey involving just 191 respondents across several states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Forum maintained that descriptions suggesting “state collapse,” “systemic governance failure,” and recommendations portraying relocation as the only rational choice for residents amounted to analytical overreach and failed to reflect the complexities of governance and development realities.
CRSCF further argued that the publication blurred the line between objective research and editorial commentary by relying heavily on anecdotal accounts, media narratives, and subjective interpretations rather than comprehensive longitudinal governance data.
The group also noted that the report failed to adequately consider the wider national economic challenges affecting all states, including inflation, fuel subsidy reforms, exchange rate instability, rising energy costs, and infrastructure deficits.
"It is impossible to isolate quality-of-life outcomes from broader national macroeconomic realities within Nigeria's federal structure," the statement noted.
The Forum pointed to what it described as inconsistencies within the report, highlighting that despite Cross River being portrayed as experiencing severe institutional decline, the same report indicated that 59.1 per cent of respondents from the state remained optimistic about future improvements in electricity supply.
CRSCF also referenced findings on Rivers State, which reportedly performed strongly in several governance indicators but still recorded a high relocation intention rate, suggesting that migration decisions are influenced by factors beyond government performance alone.
Defending the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, the Forum listed a number of projects and interventions undertaken between 2023 and 2026 under the government's "People First" agenda.
According to the statement, the administration has executed road construction and rehabilitation projects across various parts of the state, revitalised healthcare facilities, expanded health insurance coverage, upgraded dialysis centres, and strengthened immunisation programmes.
The Forum also cited educational interventions including the payment of WAEC fees for students, classroom rehabilitation, distribution of school furniture, promotion of education personnel, and investments in technical and vocational education.
In the tourism sector, the group highlighted ongoing efforts to reposition Marina Resort, revive Obudu Ranch Resort, and strengthen Carnival Calabar, which it claimed has witnessed significant growth in attendance.
The statement further referenced agricultural empowerment programmes, rural development initiatives, pension and gratuity payments, and the employment of over 10,000 residents into the state's public service.
While acknowledging that Cross River still faces developmental challenges, the Forum insisted that reducing the state's situation to narratives of collapse does not reflect the resilience and aspirations of its people.
The group warned that sensational characterisations of the state could negatively affect investor confidence, tourism growth, and public morale.
CRSCF therefore called on research institutions and policy organisations to adopt broader sampling frameworks, more transparent methodologies, stronger peer-review processes, and balanced language when publishing reports with significant political and economic implications.
The Forum reiterated its commitment to evidence-based advocacy, constructive engagement, and collaborative efforts aimed at improving governance and development outcomes in Cross River State.
Post A Comment: