Author: Gist Correspondent

Magistrates in Cross River State have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over unresolved welfare, security and conditions-of-service concerns.

The threat was issued by the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Cross River State Chapter, during its General Congress held on January 30, 2026, in Calabar.

In a communiqué jointly signed by the state Chairman of MAN, Mr Godwin Onah, and the General Secretary, Mr Solomon Abuo, the association warned that its members would resume an indefinite strike from Monday, February 9, 2026, if the state government fails to address their outstanding demands.

The communiqué recalled that the association had earlier resolved to embark on an indefinite strike in line with a resolution reached on November 5, 2024, but suspended the action following the personal intervention of Governor Bassey Otu.

According to MAN, the suspension was granted to give the governor ample time to resolve the issues raised by magistrates.

The document, which was made available to journalists on Tuesday, was also copied to relevant judicial, security and government authorities, including the Chief Judge of Cross River State, the Attorney General, the Secretary to the State Government, the Commissioner of Police and the Nigerian Bar Association.

While commending Governor Otu for approving the immediate implementation of promotions and the regularisation of magistrates with the attendant financial benefits, the association lamented that seven other critical demands remain unresolved.

MAN stated that the outstanding issues border on welfare, security and conditions of service, noting that the prolonged delay has continued to subject members to hardship and frustration, with adverse effects on the effective administration of justice in the state.

The association further revealed that several reminder letters dated November 11, 2024, July 20, 2025 and October 2, 2025, were written to the state government without any concrete response on the remaining demands.

“In view of the foregoing, the Magistrates Association of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter, has resolved to resume the suspended indefinite strike action after the expiration of seven days,” the communiqué stated.

The association stressed that, for the avoidance of doubt, the strike will commence on February 9, 2026, without further notice if the issues are not urgently addressed, while expressing hope that the state government would act swiftly to avert the industrial action and ensure the smooth administration of justice in Cross River State.