In a visionary stride that echoed loudly across the South-South geopolitical corridor, the Executive Chairman of Calabar South Local Government Area, Pst. Hon. Patrick Archibong, has taken a bold and historic political step to reposition Calabar South in the national conversation on constitutional restructuring.
Demonstrating statesmanship and a clear understanding of the heartbeat of the people, the Chairman constituted a 14-man Communique Drafting Committee, chaired by the revered Pst. Patrick Asikpo Okon, with the singular mandate to articulate and present a persuasive communique at the South-South Centre B Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review, held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Metropolitan Hotels, Calabar.
The task was monumental, but the mission was clear advocate for the creation of two additional local government areas from Calabar South to enhance grassroots development, deepen governance, and correct years of structural imbalance.
The committee, comprising a distinguished team of political leaders, legal minds, clergymen, technocrats, and cultural voices, worked assiduously and harmoniously to draft a communique rich in facts, laced with wisdom, and burning with the aspirations of the people. The esteemed members included:
Pst. Patrick Asikpo Okon (Chairman)
Rt. Hon. Okon Ephraim (Alternate Chairman)
Barr. Dan Edet ( Secretary)
Barr. Ewa Aye Henshaw – Member
Dr. Carol Edem – Member
Bishop Dr. Princess Henrietta Henshaw – Member
Mr. Ubong Sam – Member
Dr. Edem Ebong – Member
Chief Dr. Koko Henshaw – Member
Barr. Ugoji Nwabueze – Member
Hon. Peter Nya – Member
Mr. Ani Oku Ita – Member
Apostle Mrs. Queen Eton – Member
Shepherd Victor Ebong – Member
Their efforts came to glorious light at the public hearing as the Communique was formally registered. In a show of unity and purpose, the Executive Chairman, alongside committee members, appeared at the session to give full moral support. The event reached a crescendo when the State Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gave a concise and compelling summary of the communique before presenting it to Rt. Hon. Chinda Kingsley Ogundu , Chairman of the House Committee on Constitutional Review & Minority Leader and his distinguished team.
Of striking political and developmental importance was the call for the creation of two new Local Government Areas out of the present Calabar South each strategically crafted to reflect its unique cultural, commercial, and community identity with an intelligent restructuring of wards to ensure fairness, balance, and administrative efficiency.
Atakpa Local Government Area
The Cultural and Historic Nerve Center
Proposed with 10 wards and headquarters at Nsidung, this new LGA carves out its identity from Wards 1–6 with targeted expansion:
Ward 1: Split into 2 wards
Ward 2: Split into 2 wards
Wards 3 & 4: Remain unchanged
Ward 5: Expanded into 3 wards
Ward 6: Expanded into 3 wards
This design preserves history while amplifying grassroots representation.
Calabar Central Local Government Area
The Commercial and Residential Hub
Also comprising 10 wards with its headquarters at Ekondo, this proposed LGA draws strength from Wards 7–10 with a smart distribution:
Ward 7: Remains unchanged
Wards 8, 9 & 10: Each expanded into 3 wards
The commercial heart of the city now gets the administrative reach it deserves.
Calabar South Local Government Area (Retained)
The Agrarian and Educational Heartland
To continue with 12 wards and headquarters at Anantigha, this area—rich in learning and agriculture—reconfigures Wards 11 and 12 as follows:
Ward 11: Grows to 6 wards
Ward 12: Grows to 6 wards
A powerful reimagination that brings governance even closer to the farthest farmstead and the smallest school.
This strategic advocacy signals a new dawn for Calabar South one rooted in equitable governance, inclusivity, and the urgent need to bring governance closer to the people.
The bold political vision of Pst. Hon. Patrick Archibong is fast becoming a reference point in effective leadership, foresight, and genuine commitment to restructuring Nigeria from the grassroots up. With this move, Calabar South has not only spoken—IT HAS ROARED
*Nkese Eneyo* ,
Chief Press Secretary
Calabar South LGA
