By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – Cross River State magistrates have today, 9 February 2026, commanded an indefinite strike following Governor Bassey Otu-led government’s failure to address an eight-point demand.
Converseer reports that the directive for the industrial action was contained in a bulletin (Bulletin No. 3) dated Monday, 9 February 2026, and issued by the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Cross River State Chapter.
The bulletin which was made available to our reporter, was duly signed by His Worship, Godwin O. Onah, and His Worship, Solomon O. Abuo, Chairman and Secretary-General of the association.
According to the bulletin, MAN directed all magistrates across the state to withdraw their services and abstain from court sittings until further notice.
The strike, according to the association, is a continuation of a dispute that began after a communiqué issued on 5 November 2024, when magistrates presented eight demands to the Cross River State Government.
The demands include the implementation of outstanding promotions for magistrates,
payment of arrears of financial benefits, payment of a monthly imprest of approximately N200,000, payment of a robing allowance, settlement of salary arrears owed to the 2019 batch of magistrates, provision of official accommodation, provision of official vehicles, and renovation of dilapidated magistrate courts across the state.
The association said it had made several efforts to resolve the matter, including a letter to the governor dated 11 November 2024, extending an earlier strike notice to 22 November 2024.
The magistrates later embarked on a warning strike in November 2024, followed by an indefinite strike in December 2024, which was eventually suspended after appeals for dialogue.
In the latest bulletin, the association said another appeal was made to the government through a letter dated 2 February 2026, but no action was taken.
“Sequel to our communique issued on 5th November 2024 arising from the General Meeting wherein eight (8) demands were made to the Government of Cross River State.
“Furthermore, sequel to our letter to the Governor of Cross River State dated 11th November 2024, wherein the NOTICE OF STRIKE was extended to Friday, 22nd November 2024, and our subsequent Bulletins No.1 of 27th November 2024, and Bulletin No.2 of 8th December 2024 calling for a WARNING STRIKE ACTION and INDEFINITE STRIKE ACTION, respectively.
“Furthermore, sequel to the failure of the Government of Cross River State to address our demands despite several written and oral appeals, the last of which was made vide a letter dated 2nd February 2026, we the Magistrates Association of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter are hereby embarking on an INDEFINITE STRIKE ACTION from Monday, 9th February 2026 until our demands are met.
“Finally, all magistrates across the State are to ensure strict compliance with this Bulletin by abstaining from performing all official duties, including court sittings till further notice,” the bulletin read.
