The Cross River State Chapter of the Magistrate Association of Nigeria (MAN) has commenced an indefinite strike action.
They are demanding the provision of cars, the payment of imprests, wardrobe allowances, accommodation, and the renovations of courts.
In a bulletin heralding the strike, the association recalled that in a communique they issued on November 5, 2024, eight demands were made to the state government.
The bulletin was signed by Godwin Onah, chairman, and Solomon Abuo, general secretary in the state, and dated February 9, 2026.
The bulletin directed all magistrates across the state to ensure strict compliance during the strike by abstaining from performing all official duties, including court sittings, until further notice.
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The association stated that because of the failure of the state government to address their demands despite several written and oral appeals, the last of which was made vide a letter dated February 2026, “we, the Magistrates Association of Nigeria, Cross River State chapter, are hereby embarking on an indefinite strike from Monday, February 9, 2026 until our demands are met.”
In an interview with journalists in Calabar, Onah explained that the demands of the striking magistrates are predominantly the issue of welfare.
“We embarked on this strike in 2024. The governor appealed to us, and we suspended it because he promised to meet our demands. But as I talk to you from 2024 till today (February 9), nothing has been done so far,” Onah added.
He disclosed that last year, the association wrote to the governor intimating him of their plans to resume the suspended strike, prompting the intervention of the state chief judge.
“So, we gave them a seven- day ultimatum, which expired yesterday, and then we are now resuming the strike today,” Onah said.
