Judicial Activities Disrupted As Magistrates Down Tools In Cross River
Magistrates Resume Suspended Industrial Action
MAGISTRATES in Cross River State, under the aegis of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), on Monday resumed their previously suspended industrial action over the state government’s failure to address outstanding welfare and work-related demands.
The association said the decision followed the expiration of the deadline it gave the government to engage its leadership, noting that no meeting was held as of midnight on Sunday 8 February, to avert the strike.
The resumption of the strike comes after MAN had earlier issued a formal notice of industrial action to the government on 2 February, warning that failure to meet its demands would result in a shutdown of magistrate courts across the state.
Decision Taken at General Meeting
In a letter signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the association, Godwin Onah and Solomon Abuo, MAN disclosed that the decision to resume the suspended strike was reached during its general meeting held on 30 January.
The magistrates accused the state government of reneging on assurances that led to the suspension of an earlier planned strike.
According to the association, the strike was initially called off following the personal intervention of the state governor, who met with magistrates in November 2024 and promised to address their concerns.
Partial Implementation of Demands
MAN acknowledged and appreciated the government for implementing the first item on its list of demands, which included the immediate promotion and regularisation of magistrates across all cadres, along with the attendant financial benefits.
However, the association expressed disappointment over what it described as the government’s lack of commitment to addressing the remaining demands.
The group said the failure to act on these issues had resulted in growing disaffection and hardship among magistrates, stressing that the unresolved matters were critical to their welfare, security, and the efficient administration of justice in the state.
Key Welfare Concerns
Among the major demands is the promotion of magistrates whose careers have reportedly stagnated since 2015. The association also criticised the ₦15,000 monthly imprest paid to its members, describing it as grossly inadequate when compared to their counterparts in neighbouring states who reportedly earn between ₦200,000 and ₦250,000 monthly.
MAN further called for the rehabilitation of dilapidated magistrate courts across the state and demanded the provision of official vehicles for magistrates to enhance their efficiency and security.
Last-Minute Government Meeting
Meanwhile, the association’s Secretary, Solomon Abuo, confirmed that government officials met with the magistrates’ leadership on Monday morning in an effort to resolve the impasse.
He said the delegation was led by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Emmanuel Ironbar, and the Attorney-General of the state, Mr. Ededem Ani.
Abuo disclosed that while discussions were held, the association was still awaiting a formal response from the government.
“The government asked for time to consult internally and come up with a position. We are waiting, and whatever decision they take will determine whether the strike continues,” he said.
