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Magistrates in Cross River State have warned they will resume an indefinite strike on February 9, 2026, unless the state government urgently addresses unresolved concerns over welfare, security, and working conditions.
The warning was issued after a General Congress of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria in the state, held on January 30, according to a communiqué released to reporters in Calabar on Tuesday.
The planned action would mark a continuation of an earlier strike that was suspended after the intervention of the state governor.
In the communiqué jointly signed by the association’s chairman, Godwin Onah, and its general secretary, Solomon Abuo, the magistrates recalled that members had voted to begin an indefinite strike in November 2024 but agreed to suspend the action to give the government time to respond to their demands.
While acknowledging the governor’s approval of promotions and the regularisation of magistrates with accompanying financial benefits, the association said several critical issues remain unresolved.
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According to the communiqué, seven outstanding demands relating to welfare, security, and conditions of service have continued to cause hardship among magistrates and are affecting the effective administration of justice in the state.
The association said it sent multiple reminder letters to the government dated November 11, 2024, July 10, 2025, and October 2, 2025, but received no concrete response.
“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 added that the strike would begin on Monday, February 9, 2026, without further notice if the outstanding issues are not addressed.
The notice was formally copied to key judicial, security, and government officials, including the Chief Judge of Cross River State, the Attorney General, the Secretary to the State Government, the Commissioner of Police, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the State Security Service.
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The magistrates said they remain hopeful that the state government will act quickly to prevent a shutdown of magistrate courts across the state.
Court observers note that a renewed strike could disrupt access to justice, delay trials, and worsen case backlogs if talks fail before the deadline.
