Dispute Over Access Road Leads to Standoff Between Cross River Government and Presbyterian Church

A significant land-use dispute has emerged in Calabar, Cross River State, as the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN) has moved to block an access road created by the state government through the grounds of the historic Hope Waddell Training Institution. The closure follows a breakdown in negotiations regarding the formal terms of the property’s use.

The Origins of the Access Route

The conflict stems from a recent infrastructure emergency. According to reports from the Daily Post Nigeria, the state government requested access through the school’s premises after a landslide severely damaged Anansa Road. This damage effectively severed a vital transport link for local residents and business operators. The church reportedly agreed to provide an alternative route to assist the community, under the condition that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be drafted and signed to regulate the arrangement.

Allegations of Procedural Failure

A church official, speaking anonymously, alleged that the state government bypassed the agreed-upon process. The official stated that the government opened the road just two days after initial discussions, failing to secure the necessary written approval or finalize the MoU. Despite repeated attempts by church leadership to schedule meetings and formalize the documentation, the official claimed the government did not follow through.

Beyond the lack of documentation, the church has expressed frustration over the impact on its operations. The official alleged that the church has faced significant inconveniences, including the demolition of its Synod Office, which has further strained the relationship between the two parties.

Current Status of the Dispute

In response to the perceived lack of cooperation, the Synod Moderator ordered the immediate closure of the road. Rev. Anam Bassey, the church’s Office Manager in Calabar, confirmed that the PCN has since erected a perimeter fence across the access point to restrict further traffic.

The Cross River State government has maintained a stance of distance regarding the escalation. Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, stated that he was unaware of the recent closure. He suggested that the impasse could be resolved through direct dialogue between the church’s leadership and Governor Bassey Otu.

“I am sure the Prelate has direct access to the Governor, and the church could leverage that to sort things out. The governor, who is my boss, is not an unreasonable person. He has a lot of regard for the body of Christ,” Cobham noted.

Conclusion

As of now, the access road remains blocked by the church’s perimeter fence. While the state government has signaled a willingness to engage in further discussions, the lack of a signed agreement remains the primary obstacle to restoring public access through the school grounds. Information regarding any upcoming formal meetings to resolve the standoff is currently unavailable.

<

p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

Tags: Calabar · Cross River State · Infrastructure · Land Dispute · news · Presbyterian Church of Nigeria · ViralBrief