Henshaw Town Community Stages Peaceful Protest: Demands Swift Government Intervention

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

According to a report by CalabarGist.com, the Henshaw Town Council in Calabar South Local Government Area (LGA) recently staged a peaceful protest to bring attention to lingering issues that have sown fear, unrest, and division within the community. The protest, described by community leaders as orderly and law-abiding, underscores growing local frustration over unresolved disputes surrounding traditional leadership, alleged abuses of office, and ongoing insecurity.

This development has drawn public attention to the intricate dynamics of local governance in Cross River State, highlighting the urgent need for decisive action by both the state government and relevant judicial authorities.

Background: The Leadership Dispute Fueling Unrest

The core grievance driving the protest revolves around the actions of Etubom Nyong Effiom Okon (NEO), who continues to claim authority as the President of Henshaw Town Council despite his removal in July 2019. Legal instruments have invalidated his claim, yet his persistent assertion to leadership has created a paralysing divide within the community.

Community spokesperson Adim Glory Henshaw (Secretary, Mbono Iban Nsidung) stressed that the disruption is not merely political but has profound social implications. “The crisis stems from repeated interference in community governance by individuals who refuse to abide by lawful processes. This undermines our security, disrupts communal harmony, and stalls developmental initiatives,” Henshaw said.

Key Grievances Highlighted by the Protesters

During the protest, participants submitted a petition to state authorities outlining the following critical concerns:

1. Terror and Intimidation

Residents allege a systematic pattern of fear through continuous land grabbing, wrongful arrests, detentions, and unlawful trials. The community claims these actions have been executed under the guise of official authority, severely impacting the daily lives of residents and fostering a climate of anxiety.

2. Abuse of Office

The protesters raised concerns regarding the misappropriation and sale of community lands and properties by a government-certified traditional ruler, including Cowan House, the Health Centre, and Uyu’s land. Allegations of extortion targeting both residents and investors were also emphasised, highlighting how alleged misconduct could deter private investment and economic growth in Henshaw Town.

3. Illegitimate Authority

The continuous claim by Etubom Nyong Effiom Okon to leadership despite his legal removal was described as a direct threat to community cohesion. Protesters argued that such illegitimacy not only fractures local governance structures but also emboldens unlawful activities and disobedience to established laws.

Community Engagement with State Authorities

The protest delegation engaged multiple state offices to ensure their grievances received urgent attention:

• Governor’s Office: Although Governor Bassey Otu was unavailable, the protesters were received by Otuekong Frank Edet, Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs. Edet commended the peaceful conduct of the demonstration and assured that the petition would be forwarded to the Governor for action.
• Palace of the Obong of Calabar: Kingsmen of the Obong assured the protesters that the matter would be addressed by the Council of Chiefs, reflecting the involvement of traditional structures in resolving governance disputes.
• Office of the Chief Judge of Cross River State: A representative pledged to relay the petition to Hon. Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme, ensuring the judicial system is informed of community concerns.

This multi-level engagement illustrates the community’s commitment to lawful, structured approaches to conflict resolution rather than resorting to violence or disorder.

Henshaw Town Council’s Key Demands

The protesters submitted a detailed set of six demands aimed at restoring peace, justice, and stability:

1. Immediate Government Intervention: The council calls on Governor Otu to take swift action to restore peace and order in Henshaw Town.
2. Removal of Etubom Nyong Effiom Okon: They demand that he be stripped of all authority as Clan Head and Paramount Ruler for actions that contravene his official oath and disrupt community harmony.
3. Investigation of Allegations: A full inquiry is requested into land grabbing, extortion, intimidation, and the misuse of security forces for unlawful arrests.
4. Protection of Legitimate Leadership: Ensuring the safety of the authentic Henshaw Town Council leadership and the uninterrupted progress of the Nkot Mbk Nsiduñg peace process.
5. Probe into Anti-Cultism Squad Incident: Investigating the alleged unlawful arrest and detention of council members on September 25, 2025.
6. Safeguard the Peace Process: Ensuring the ongoing Nkot Mbk Nsiduñg initiative continues free of threats, interference, or disruption.

Implications for Governance and Community Stability

This protest is emblematic of the broader challenges in local governance, where disputes over traditional authority and public trust intersect with security concerns. Analysts note that prolonged inaction could erode confidence in both government institutions and traditional structures, potentially destabilising the social fabric of Henshaw Town.

Experts also emphasise that prompt, transparent, and legally grounded resolutions will not only restore peace but could also serve as a model for conflict resolution across Cross River State and other regions facing similar governance challenges.

The Role of Lawful Civic Action

The peaceful nature of the protest underscores the importance of civic engagement in promoting accountability. By submitting petitions to the Governor, the Obong of Calabar, and the Chief Judge, the Henshaw Town community demonstrates the effectiveness of structured, non-violent approaches to conflict resolution.

Legal observers argue that the protest reinforces the principle that security, governance, and community cohesion are collective responsibilities, requiring active participation from both citizens and state authorities.

Moving Forward: Restoring Peace and Confidence

The Henshaw Town Council’s actions signal a critical juncture for governance in Cross River State. Swift government intervention, coupled with adherence to legal and traditional protocols, is essential to:

• Restore trust between residents and traditional authorities.
• Ensure lawful leadership structures are respected and reinforced.
• Protect property rights and prevent misuse of authority.
• Strengthen mechanisms for peaceful dispute resolution in local communities.

Residents and observers alike now await a measured response from the Governor’s Office, traditional leaders, and judicial authorities to address the grievances and restore sustainable peace to Henshaw Town.

The peaceful protest by Henshaw Town Council reflects a community’s unwavering commitment to justice, lawful governance, and social stability. As the state government considers the petition, the eyes of Calabar South and Cross River State remain focused on ensuring that legal, administrative, and traditional institutions collaborate effectively to resolve leadership disputes, safeguard human rights, and promote community development.

Credits: The original report and details are credited to Calabar Gist.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org

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