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

- Link: https://viralbrief.top/dispute-over-access-road-leads-to-standoff-between-cross-river-government-and-presbyterian-church/
- Published: 2026-11-08T07:22:11+00:00
- Author: Olamide

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](https://dailypost.ng/2026/11/08/cross-river-govt-presbyterian-church-clash-over-access-road/)

  TL;DR (AI Generated)

The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria has blocked an access road created by the Cross
River State government through the grounds of the Hope Waddell Training Institution
in Calabar.

The dispute arose after the government opened the route following a landslide on
Anansa Road without finalizing a mutually agreed Memorandum of Understanding or 
compensating for disruptions like the demolition of a church office.

While the church has erected a perimeter fence to restrict traffic, state officials
have expressed a willingness to resolve the impasse through direct dialogue with
church leadership.

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