Magistrates in Cross River State have warned that they will resume their indefinite strike on February 9, 2026, if the state government fails to resolve lingering issues affecting their welfare and security.
Gatekeepers News reports that the warning was 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 made available to The Guardian in Calabar on Tuesday.
According to the communiqué, the planned action will mark a resumption of an earlier strike that was suspended after the intervention of the state governor.
The document, jointly signed by the Chairman, Godwin Onah, and the General Secretary, Solomon Abuo, recalled that members had resolved to embark on an indefinite strike following a communiqué issued on November 5, 2024, but suspended the action to give 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 said seven critical demands remain unresolved.
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 negative implications for the effective administration of justice in the state.
The association said it had written several reminder letters dated November 11, 2024; July 10, 2025; and October 2, 2025, but lamented that no concrete action has been taken by the government.
“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.
It added:
“For the avoidance of doubt, the strike will commence on Monday, February 9, 2026, without further notice, if the issues are not urgently addressed.”
The communiqué was copied to 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 avert the looming industrial action.
