Cross River govt, Presbyterian Church clash over access road

The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria has erected a fence around an access road opened by the Cross River State government, alleging the administration has failed to adhere to an agreement on using its property. The road, situated adjacent to Hope Waddell Training Institution, a historic secondary school in Calabar, grants access to the shoreline and Anansa community.

The church claims to have delayed the opening of the road due to repeated delays from the state government in signing a Memorandum of Understanding, which would regulate the temporary use of the property. The conflict arose after a devastating landslide damaged Anansa Road, disrupting an essential route for residents and businesses.

The government approached the church to provide an alternative access route, under the condition that the arrangement would be formally documented and endorsed before the road's opening. However, the church alleges the government opened the road without obtaining written approval or a signed agreement. The church's Office Manager, Rev.

Anam Bassey, confirmed the church erected the fence and blocked another passage, while the state government's Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, asserted that he was unaware of the latest developments and suggested direct engagement between the church leadership and Governor Bassey Otu to resolve the issue.