Cross River Magistrates To Resume Strike Over Welfare Issues

Magistrates in Cross River State plan to resume an indefinite strike from Monday, February 9, 2026, over the state government’s failure to address their welfare and security-related demands.

The decision is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a general congress of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Cross River State Chapter, held on Friday, January 30, 2026.

The association recalled that its members had earlier resolved to embark on an indefinite strike following a communiqué issued on November 5, 2024, but suspended it after the personal intervention of Governor Bassey Edet Otu.

According to MAN, the suspension was to allow the governor time to address their demands.

While commending the governor for approving the immediate implementation of promotions and the regularisation of magistrates, with attendant financial benefits, the association expressed concern that seven other critical demands remain unaddressed.

MAN said 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 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.

“In view of the foregoing, the Magistrates Association of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter, has resolved to resume the suspended indefinite strike after the expiration of seven days,” the communiqué stated.

For the avoidance of doubt, the association said the strike will commence on Monday, February 9, 2026, and continue until further notice if the issues are not urgently addressed.

The communiqué was jointly signed by the state chairman of MAN, Godwin Onah, and the general secretary, Solomon Abuo.