Magistrates in Cross River State have commenced an indefinite strike, citing the alleged failure of the state government, led by Governor Bassey Otu, to address their welfare and demands.

In a directive issued by the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), signed by the state chairman, Godwin Onah, and Secretary General, Solomon Abuo, the association declared the strike effective Monday, December 9, 2024.

The directive stated, “Sequel to our letter to the Governor of Cross River State dated 11 November 2024, wherein the notice of strike was extended to Friday, 22 November 2024, to enable the state government to attend to our demands… and having embarked on a warning strike from 27 November to 29 November 2024 without any response or negotiation from the government, we are hereby embarking on an indefinite strike until our demands are met.”

The magistrates initially staged a three-day warning strike from November 27 to November 29, accusing the state government of neglecting their welfare, failing to implement promotions, and disregarding the poor state of their working environment.

The association had previously warned that if their demands were not met, including those outlined in their communiqué dated November 5, 2024, an indefinite strike would follow. As of now, no concrete actions or negotiations have been initiated by the government.

The magistrates remain resolute, stating the strike will persist until their grievances are addressed.