By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Cross River State Chapter, has threatened to down tools in the state over unmet welfare demands.
This was disclosed during the General Congress held on 30 January 2026 in Calabar.
A communiqué jointly signed by the Chairman of MAN in the state, Godwin Onah and the General Secretary, Solomon Abuo, and issued after the Congress, said the association will resume an indefinite strike action from Monday, 9 February 2026, over what they described as the state government’s failure to address key welfare and security-related demands.
The communiqué, which was made available to journalists on Tuesday, recalled that MAN members had earlier resolved to embark on an indefinite strike following a communiqué issued on 5 November 2024, but suspended the action after the personal intervention of Governor Bassey Otu.
The comunique which was also copied to key judicial, security, and government authorities, including the Chief Judge of Cross River State, the Attorney-General, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Commissioner of Police, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), said the suspension was 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 Magistrates noted that the outstanding issues, which border on welfare, security, and conditions of service, 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 11 November 2024, 20 July 2025, and 2 October 2025, were sent to the state government, but no concrete action has been taken 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 in part.
For the avoidance of doubt, the association said the strike will commence on 9 February 2026 without further notice, if the issues are not urgently addressed.
The association expressed hope that the state government would act swiftly to forestall the looming industrial action and ensure the smooth operation of the justice system in Cross River State.
