Calabar, Nigeria – Magistrates in Cross River State have commenced a three-day warning strike starting from November 27 to November 29, 2024.
Converseer reports that the magistrates under the umbrella of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN) had earlier this month issued a notice of strike to the state government.
Failure of the state government led by Governor Bassey Otu to meet their demands, the union, in a notice titled “Bulletin No. 1; Warning Strike,” has embarked on a strike.
The magistrates said if nothing is being done within this period, they will commence an indefinite strike.
The bulletin signed by His Worship, Godwin Onah Esq., and His Worship, Solomon Abuo Esq., Chairman and Secretary General of the Association on November 27, read:
“Sequel to our communique issued on 5th November 2024 arising from the general meeting wherein & demands were made from the Government of Cross River State.
“Furthermore, the 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 to enable the State Government to attend to our demands, and having failed to do so till date, we hereby issue this bulletin.
“In line, therefore, with our congress resolution to proceed on a warning strike, THREE DAYS WARNING STRIKE is hereby declared by the state chapter of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Cross River State Chapter, in the first instance effective from 6 am of Wednesday, 27th November 2024 to Friday, 29th November 2024.
“And the failure of the State Government to meet our demands, an indefinite strike shall be embarked upon until all our demands are fully met.
“All Magistrates across the state are to ensure effective compliance by all staff of their Courts.”
Converseer earlier reports that the magistrates are demanding the immediate implementation of promotions along with all associated financial benefits for magistrates across all cadres.
They also requested a significant increase in their monthly impress, noting that the current amount of N15,000 is insufficient to cover office supplies and logistics.
Further demands from the association include the provision of official vehicles and accommodation, the payment of a yearly robing allowance, and the handling of funeral expenses for any deceased magistrate.
They also called for the immediate payment of accrued salary arrears owed to the 2019 batch of magistrates and renovations of dilapidated court facilities across Cross River State.
