Boki Blog Africa

As political actors position themselves ahead of 2027, Cross River people must not lose sight of one of the most consequential controversies ever linked to the economic future of the state, the Calabar Channel dredging project.

For years, the Calabar Port has operated far below its potential due to navigational challenges associated with the channel. Successive governments and maritime experts have maintained that proper dredging and maintenance of the channel would allow larger vessels to access the port, attract investment, create jobs, boost commerce, and transform Cross River into a major maritime hub for the South-South and South-East regions.

Unfortunately, what should have been a landmark economic development project became the subject of controversy.

In 2018, the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property launched an investigation into the alleged failure to execute a contract worth approximately $12 million awarded for the dredging of the Calabar Channel. The investigation reportedly centered on a company linked to then-Senator Hope Uzodinma. The panel alleged that despite payments connected to the contract, the expected dredging works were either not completed or did not achieve the intended objectives.

The controversy eventually resulted in the questioning and temporary detention of Senator Uzodinma by the presidential panel led by Chief Okoi Obono-Obla. Could Obla be supporting same person he arrested for corruption few years ago?

Regardless of the competing narratives, one fact remains difficult to dispute: Cross River lost valuable years of economic opportunity.

Had the Calabar Channel been fully dredged and maintained as envisioned, the state could have witnessed increased cargo traffic, expanded logistics operations, new industrial investments, enhanced customs revenue, and thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities. Businesses across Cross River, the South-South and South-East could have benefited from a functional alternative to the congested ports elsewhere in the country.

Today, while some politicians in Cross River seek endorsements from same enemies of the state and attempt to leverage powerful political connections, Cross River people should ask fundamental questions. What happened to the promises attached to the Calabar Channel project? Why did a project designed to unlock enormous economic potential become mired in allegations, investigations, and litigation? And most importantly, who should be held accountable for the lost opportunities suffered by the state?

— James Etim

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Jarvis Archibong, has accused Governor Bassey Otu of political intolerance following reports that the governor threatened to "crush" opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released on Sunday, Archibong described the alleged comment as troubling and inconsistent with democratic principles, arguing that leaders should encourage healthy political competition rather than intimidate opponents.

According to him, the reported remark sends the wrong signal to citizens and raises concerns about the administration's attitude toward dissenting voices. He maintained that opposition parties have a constitutional right to criticize government policies and offer alternative ideas without fear of harassment.

Archibong said he was particularly surprised by the statement, given Governor Otu's public Christian identity, insisting that public office holders should demonstrate fairness, tolerance, and respect for differing opinions.

The PDP flag bearer stressed that the opposition would not be intimidated and would continue to engage the government through issue-based criticism focused on the welfare of Cross River residents.

He further argued that any administration confident in its performance should welcome public scrutiny rather than perceive criticism as a threat.

Archibong urged the governor to concentrate on addressing developmental challenges facing the state, including economic growth, infrastructure, and security, instead of engaging in political confrontations.

He reiterated his commitment to peaceful political engagement and insisted that democratic accountability remains essential to good governance in Cross River State.

— Boki Blog Africa

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.

— Boki Blog Africa