Magistrates in Cross River State have threatened to resume their indefinite strike action on February 9, 2026, if the government fails to address pending issues concerning their welfare and security.
The warning 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, and issued to The Guardian in Calabar on Tuesday.
According to the communique, the strike will be a resumption of an earlier strike action suspended by the association following the state governor’s intervention.
In the communiqué, jointly signed by the Chairman of MAN in the state, Godwin Onah, and the General Secretary, Solomon Abuo, the association recalled that its members had earlier resolved to embark on an indefinite strike following a communiqué issued on November 5, 2024, but had suspended the action 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 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 November 11, 2024, July 10, 2025, and October 2, 2025, were sent to the state government, but no concrete action has been taken.
“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.
For the avoidance of doubt, the association said the strike will commence on Monday, February 9, 2026, without further notice, if the issues are not urgently addressed.
The communiqué also copied key judicial, security, and government authorities, including the Chief Judge of the State, the Attorney-General, the Secretary to the State Government, the Commissioner of Police, the Nigerian Bar Association, the State Security Service and others.
MAN expressed hope that the state government would act swiftly to forestall the looming industrial action.
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