Mixed Reactions ContinueTo Trail Move To rename Famous Goldie Street

Mixed reactions have continued to trail moves by Cross River state government to rename Goldie Street in Calabar South after the former council chairman, Esther Bassey. Reverend Huge Goldie is reputed globally among Presbyterian Church faithful for his significant milestones achieved as a missionary including upgrading the "Old Calabar Mission Committee" into the first Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria specifically on September 1, 1885, kick-starting the Presbyterian Mission in Ikoneto
in July 1856.

Goldie was part of the team that ensured the expansion of the PCN around the present South South and South East. He laboured with other foreign gospel ambassadors, who left their comfort in Europe to bring us the gospel, and spearheaded the translation of the English Bible and Hymnary into Efik Language. He died in Calabar and was buried here in line with his last wish

Former Governor Ayade stirred the hornet's nest recently when he disclosed plans by his administration to
rename the historical Goldie Street after the departed council boss, Esther Bassey. She died in February this year in the thick of electioneering activities. However, Ayade's pronouncement has sparked off some mixed reactions as some stakeholders have reacted insisting that it was a wrong move in a wrong direction,
wondering why such a famous street, named after an iconic missiona

ry, should be renamed after a former local government chairman while a few said there is nothing wrong in naming the street after an indigenous daughter.

Speaking at a courtesy visit on the chairman of Calabar South local government area, Ndabu Hogan, the Moderator of the Presbytery, Rt Rev Atim Mbeh, said the visit was meant to provide ample avenue to acquaint the council with the immune sacrificial contribution of Rev Hugh Goldie which necessitated the
naming of Goldie after the legendary missionary.

Rev Mbeh, who led the delegation, wondered why such a move could have been contemplated without due
consultations which could have averted the backlash issue generated by the issue.

He said: "We are not against remaining a street in honor of our departed daughter if she merits it, but
erasing a legacy erected in honor of an iconic missionary who went the extra mile not only in spreading Christianity in the ancient Calabar but also writing the Efik Bible is a monumental error that can not
betolerated.

"The detailed list of foreign missionaries who worked assiduously in introducing the gospel of Jesus
Christ to us and planting the early churches would be inconclusive without the name of Rev Huge Goldie. His exploits were listed as topics in lessons of social studies and history in the school curriculum. We can't
afford to wipe out such a legacy in a jiffy due to political sentiment. It's not acceptable. Given such legendary antecedents, it would amount to a terrible misnomer to erase such a memory.

Also speaking, Rev Dr. Ubong Eyo and Elder Gershom Davis implored the council chairman to caution those behind what they described as the erratic idea to desist and explore other means of immortalising the late chairman iftheneed arises

In his remarks, the Council Chairman, Ndabo Robert Hogan, who commended the delegation forthe mature approach in addressing the matter promised to table the stance to theappropriate quarters. He said: “The church has demonstrated beyond doubt that it is an integral part of our rich history as well as a custodian of our rich religious antecedents. We would do the needful to sustain the harmony and protect the
legacies of our heroes of faith" Decrying such move,a community leader in Ekpo Abasi, said: “It is totally
unacceptable for the Governor to just wake up and rename such a popular and historic street as Goldie just to pacify some interest. Goldie was a great man who contributed immensely to the socio- economic development of old Calabar. Therefore, to rename the Goldie to Esther Bassey without consultation is questionable and would not be in the best interest of history.” But supporting the Governor's move, a business man at Goldie Street, said “We don't need foreign naming of our streets any longer. We should all rename the remaining ones to reflect our culture and trends of times. I think by now we should be thinking of promoting our sons and daughters who have contributed meaningfully to human societal development.”

Some of the stakeholders include the church, traditional rulers , community leaders and the political class named after an iconic missionary, the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria PCN, has initiated amove aimed at checkmating the perceived injustice.