By BANNERNEWS Reporter
Magistrates in Cross River State have said that lack of welfare and their security are some of the key issues forcing them to plan for another strike.
They have announced that the impending strike will be indefinite and will commence from Monday, February 9, 2026.
The decision was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by the Chairman of MAN in the state, Godwin Onah and the General Secretary, Solomon Abuo and issued at the end of a General Congress of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN).
The comunique 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, the Commissioner of Police, and the Nigerian Bar Association.
It would be recalled that MAN had resolved to embark on an indefinite strike following a communiqué issued on November 5, 2024, but suspended the action after the personal intervention of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.
According to MAN, they suspended the strike to allow the governor time to address their demands, even as they remind him that seven other critical demands remain unattended to.
The association said several reminder letters dated November 11, 2024, July 10, 2025, and October 2, 2025, were sent to the state government, but no concrete action has been taken on the remaining demands.
MAN 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.
“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.
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.
