In a dispute that has drawn the attention of both local authorities and the wider community, the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN) has erected a perimeter fence across an access road that the Cross River State government opened through its premises in Calabar. The road, which cuts through the grounds of Hope Waddell Training Institution, one of the oldest secondary schools in southern Nigeria, provides a vital link to the shoreline and the Anansa community.
The conflict began after a severe landslide damaged Anansa Road, cutting off a key route used by residents and local businesses. In response, the state government approached the PCN to secure an alternative path that would allow economic activity to continue while repairs were carried out. The church agreed to the request on the condition that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be signed to formalise the temporary use of the property.
According to an anonymous church official, the government opened the road only two days after initial discussions, without obtaining the required written approval. “While the church was waiting for the documentation, it was surprising that the state government, two days after the discussion, without any approval or written agreement, opened up the road,” the official said. “Yet, we kept calling on the government for the MoU to be signed, but the government never showed up despite several meetings agreed upon.”
The church also alleges that its cooperation was treated with disregard, citing additional inconveniences such as the demolition of its Synod Office. In response, the Synod Moderator directed the immediate closure of the road until the MoU was signed and the agreed conditions were met.
Rev. Anam Bassey, the PCN’s Office Manager in Calabar, confirmed that the church had fenced off the access road and blocked another passage. The state government, however, stated it was unaware of the latest development. Commissioner for Information and Orientation Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham said the matter could be resolved through direct engagement between the church leadership and Governor Bassey Otu, noting that the governor “has a lot of regard for the body of Christ.”
The clash highlights the challenges of balancing infrastructure development with the protection of institutional property. Both parties have yet to reach a formal agreement, leaving the road’s status uncertain as the community waits for a resolution.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
