Cross River Magistrates resume strike over government inaction

By Ike Uchechukwu, Calabar

CALABAR — The Cross River chapter of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN) resumed its suspended industrial action on Monday, citing the state government’s failure to address outstanding demands.

According to the association, as of midnight on Sunday, February 8, the government had not engaged with its leadership to avert the strike. MAN had originally issued a strike notice on February 2.

In a letter signed by MAN Chairman Godwin Onah and Secretary Solomon Abuo, the magistrates said the decision to resume the strike was taken at a general meeting on January 30, 2026. They accused the government of reneging on earlier promises that had led to the temporary suspension of the industrial action.

The letter stated: “Your Excellency can recall that magistrates in Cross River State had resolved to embark on an indefinite strike to press home our demands. Following your personal intervention during a meeting in November 2024, where you promised to act on our concerns, we suspended the strike.

While we thank you for implementing the first item on our list—the immediate promotion and regularisation of magistrates with necessary financial benefits across all cadres—the lack of attention to the remaining items continues to cause hardship and disaffection among our members, affecting security, welfare, and the smooth administration of justice in the state. In view of the foregoing, we have resolved to resume the suspended strike effective Monday, February 9, 2026.”

The magistrates’ demands include promotions for members who have remained stagnant since 2015, increased monthly imprest, rehabilitation of magistrate courts, provision of official vehicles, and full implementation of all accrued arrears. The association noted that the current monthly imprest of ₦15,000 is significantly lower than the ₦200,000–₦250,000 received by magistrates in neighbouring states.

Meanwhile, the government met with the association on Monday morning to resolve the issues. MAN State Secretary Solomon Abuo confirmed that officials led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Emmanuel Ironbar, and the Attorney General, Ededem Ani, engaged with the association.

Abuo said the association is awaiting the government’s response, which will determine whether the strike continues. “Yes, we met with the government today, and they have asked for time to deliberate and respond. As we speak, we are waiting for them, and their response will determine if the strike will go on or not,” he stated.

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