Magistrates in Cross River State have announced an indefinite strike starting Monday, December 9, 2024, in response to the state government’s failure to address their long-standing demands regarding welfare, promotions, and working conditions.
The decision was outlined in Bulletin Number 2, issued on Sunday by the Cross River State Chapter of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN). The bulletin, signed by chapter chairman Godwin Onah and state secretary Solomon Abuo, instructed all members to suspend their official duties indefinitely.
The document stated, “Following our communiqué issued on November 5, 2024, after the general meeting where eight demands were made to the Cross River State Government, we are left with no choice but to embark on an indefinite strike effective Monday, December 9, 2024.”
The strike follows several previous efforts to engage the government, including warning strikes and formal letters, such as the communiqué issued on November 5 and a strike notice on November 11. MAN extended its initial strike deadline to November 22, hoping for government dialogue, but no progress was made.
A further warning strike from November 27 to November 29 also failed to produce results, prompting the magistrates to escalate their actions. The association has emphasized its commitment to the strike until all demands are fully addressed.
The bulletin concluded, “All magistrates across the state are hereby instructed to comply strictly with this directive by abstaining from all official duties, including court sittings, until further notice.”
