Gov. Bassey Otu.
By Anietie Akpan
Effective February 9, Magistrates in Cross River State will down tools signaling an indefinite strike action over pending welfare and security issues..
In a communiqué issued at the end of a General Congress of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Cross River State Chapter, held on Friday, January 30, 2026 and issued to Pillar Today in Calabar, said the strike will be a resumption of an earlier strike action suspended by the association following the State Governor’s intervention.
The communiqué which was jointly signed by the Chairman of MAN in the state, Godwin Onah and the General Secretary, Solomon Abuo, the association recalled that its members had earlier resolved to embark on an indefinite strike following a communiqué issued on November 5, 2024, but suspended the action so as to allow the governor time to address their demands.
While commending the governor for approving the immediate implementation of promotions and regularisation of magistrates with attendant financial benefits, the association expressed concern that seven other critical demands remain unattended to.
The outstanding issues, which border on welfare, security, and conditions of service, MAN said have continued to cause hardship and disaffection among magistrates, with implications for the effective administration of justice in the state.
The association said several reminder letters dated November 11, 2024, July 10, 2025, and October 2, 2025, were sent to the state government, but no concrete action has been taken.
“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.
For the avoidance of doubt, the association said the strike will commence on Monday, February 9, 2026, without further notice, if the issues are not urgently addressed.
The comunique also copied key judicial, security, and government authorities, including the Chief Judge of the State, the Attorney-General, the Secretary to the State Government, the Commissioner of Police, the Nigerian Bar Association, the State Security Service and others.
MAN expressed hope that the state government would act swiftly to forestall the looming industrial action.
