By Godwin Ajom
Barring any last-minute resolutions, Magistrates in Cross River will tomorrow, Monday 9th December, 2024, embark on an indefinite strike.
This is coming after the Magistrates issued a warning strike and gave an ultimatum to the state government to meet their 8-point demands bordering on welfare, promotions, conditions of working environment, and service among others.
Declaring the strike, the Chairman of Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Cross River State chapter, His Worships, Godwin Onah, Esq. and State Secretary, Solomon Abuo, Esq. in a bulletin No: 2 dated 8th December 2024, said the strike is effective on Monday, December 9th, 2024 and lamented government’s failures to yield to their demands believed to aid them dispense justices efficiently.
The Benchers enjoin her members to stay home and refrain from official work till further notice. The bulletin reads: “Sequel to our communique issued on 5th November 2024 after the general meeting wherein eight demands were made to the Government of Cross River State.
“Furthermore, sequel to our letter to the Governor of Cross River State dated 11th 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 furthermore, in view of the Bulletin No. 1 dated 27” November 2024 wherein we had embarked on a warning strike from 27” November – 29th November 2024, and the government of Cross River State has failed to address our demands as contained In our communiqué dated 5 November 2024, or even taking any steps to negotiate with us.
“We are hereby embarking on an indefinite strike action from Monday, 9″ Day of December 2024 till our demands are met. Finally, all Magistrates across the state are to ensure strict compliance with this bulletin by abstaining from performing all official duties including court sittings till further notice, solidarity forever.”