Calabar–The lingering controversy over a parcel of land involving former Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, and Hope Waddell Training Institution Old Students Association has been resolved, according to the church’s leadership NEGROIDHAVEN has gleaned.
Speaking at a press conference in Calabar on Monday to mark the 130th anniversary of Hope Waddell Training Institution, the Prelate of the Presbyterian Church, Dr. Ekpenyong Akpanika, represented by Most Rev. Daniel Etim, clarified that the dispute was not solely between Ayade and the church but also involved old students of the historic institution.
According to Etim, the land in question previously housed the then Inspector General of Police’s residence when Calabar served as Nigeria’s first capital. However, he alleged that Ayade encroached on the property by breaking through Hope Waddell’s fence to create space for his own use.
“So, he criminally trespassed into the land of Hope Waddell in order to secure space,” Etim stated. He explained that the Hope Waddell Old Students Association and the church challenged the encroachment, leading to a resolution of the matter.
Following negotiations, the Cross River State Government issued a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) free of charge to compensate for the land occupied by Ayade.
Etim, who was part of the delegation that met with the state government at the time, noted that the resolution satisfied the Hope Waddell community and urged all concerned parties to accept the outcome.
The press conference was held as part of activities leading up to the 130th anniversary celebration of Hope Waddell Training Institution, one of Nigeria’s oldest and most prestigious missionary-founded schools, established in 1895.
